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Phillipa Mukome Chinhoi-Youth Interactive writer

Pottery has always been a part of most cultures in Africa and the world over.

Gift Zirende, an enthusiastic 24-year-old from St Mary’s Chitungwiza, says he loves pottery and has been doing it ever since childhood. 

Pottery, is one of the oldest and most widespread of the decorative arts, consisting of objects made of clay and hardened with heat. 

The objects made are commonly useful ones, such as vessels for holding liquids, mugs, dinner plates, and porridge bowls from which food can be served.

In an interview with the Youth Interactive, Gift said he has a passion for pottery and believes it runs in his blood.

“Pottery is a little more complex than one might think because it needs concentration and commitment when doing it,” said Gift. 

“These days it needs expensive machinery to mould and dry the vessels in order to have good results. 

“Gone are the days when potters would use firewood. Besides, due to climate change, cutting down trees will lead to desertification hence more droughts.” 

He said he uses white clay, water, and coal as raw materials for creating his vessels.

Gift uses his parent’s backyard and hopes to get an open space where he can work freely to avoid polluting the air with silica which takes some hours to clear.

“Clay is abundant, cheap, and adaptable, which makes it convenient for my exploitations”. 

“The clay is widely available in sounding areas hence sometimes I get it for free.”

Gift mostly makes vases and  various flower pots and hopes to meet President Mnangagwa to present him with a vase on which he painted His Excellency’s face. 

He has also designed a vase with a picture of the Independence flame which he also hopes to give President Mnangagwa on Independence day.

“My income has gone down because sales are very low probably due to economic hardships as the biggest priority for most families these days is food, rather than home ornaments,”.

“I advise youth out there to use their hands rather than sit and wait to be employed by someone else. They should be innovative and create their own companies.  Do not sit on your talents because everyone was born with a talent, study yourself and discover what you enjoy doing with your hands.” 

Gift hopes to train others if he acquires an open space and the machinery to use.