Artist Ramotlele Johannes Langa
Story By Tommy Thulani Shikwambani
Being unable to walk and relying on a wheelchair does not stop Ramotlele Johannes Langa (30), affectionately known as Ramofrom Mokopane in Limpopo, from walking tall in making his dream comes true.
He is living his dream of creating jobs for the unemployed youth through his artwork in 2022, to help reduce unemployment rate in South Africa. This is done by giving unemployed youth opportunities to work with him in the production of his artworks.
Three unemployed young people from his community have been employed so far whereby two of them produces frames for the portraits whereas one of them deals with deliveries to customers around Mokopane area as well as transporting other deliverables. Ramo believes that as the company grows there will be more opportunities available to more unemployed youth.
It is the beginning of the year 2022 and majority of young people are looking for jobs as most of them completed their studies and had no fortune of getting jobs. For those who are clueless of what they can do from here forth to earn a living, Ramo told ThisAbility that his doors will be open to guide those interested in this art fraternity.
Ramo produces personalized artistic products from canvases, mugs, cushions and sell them through his social media marketing entity Red Ink Media Store.
The Communications graduate believes his artworks is the start of the skill pool and a source of employment not only for him but to youth of Limpopo province and South Africa in general. “I get to hire people from my community.
Unemployment rate is at a rise and I am hoping to contribute by creating jobs,” he said.
Due to his inability to walk, he faces challenges of being unable to use the machinery used to produce frames for portraits and making deliveries that requires him to urgently move from his work station to town or some places.
Apart from creating employment and earn a living, to Ramo, producing artworks has been more than just a business but a way to connect deeply with people and touching their lives.
“My company’s main focus it to make the world happy one person at a time,” he emphasized.
Ramo’s best friend Moloko Leso says Ramo has always been a motivation to most of young people. “What distinguish Ramo from all other artists is passion and dedication he put to his work, he gives his 100% undivided attention to his work in order to reach for perfection,” said Moloko.
Neo Mangala who is one of the biggest supporters of Ramo’s artwork describes him as a talented artist whose work is amazing. “His art is unique and speaks to the heart,” Neo added.
