From a Pencil to a Purpose: How Mactheblar Art Turned Pain into Passion

By: Nicholy Mokoena

For Simanga Africa Mathebula, art did not begin as a career. It began as a way to survive.

Long before he dreamed of selling artwork or building a business, Mathebula was a young boy trying to make sense of a life that changed dramatically after losing both his parents in 2007 and 2008.

Today, known as Mactheblar Art, the 24-year-old artist is preparing to turn years of pain and perseverance into an online art business. A journey that started with nothing more than a pencil and paper. Born at Shongwe Hospital on 26 October 2001 and raised in Driekoppies Village in Nkomazi, Mathebula’s tragedy affected his education. He stopped attending school for two years. During those difficult years, he discovered something that would change his life. He began drawing.

For him, drawing became more than a pastime. It became a way to deal with anger, sadness and loneliness. “Art gave me a reason to smile again,” he says.

In 2009, with assistance from his father’s relatives, Mathebula returned to school at Driekoppies Combined School. He had to start again in Grade 1. He often played alone and kept to himself. When he was alone, he would reach for a piece of paper and draw. “At that time, my pencil was my only friend,” he recalls. What began as personal healing gradually became a skill others recognised. 

By 2013, while in Grade 5, he was helping classmates with creative art projects. He earned between R10 and R50 per drawing. Even at that young age, he was regarded as one of the best artists in his class.

In 2018, he took a step towards building his identity by adopting the name S.A. Mactheblar Art.

Challenges continued. In December 2020, family problems led to another major change when his older sisters came to take him and his younger sister. Instead of giving up, Mathebula used that period to focus on his art. He taught himself, practised consistently and pushed himself to improve.

By 2021, while at Lungisani High School, he had developed a different outlook. He wanted to focus on education, art and creating opportunities for himself.

A major opportunity came in 2022 when he joined Gold Youth. Through the organisation, he participated in a creative art competition held at the Government Complex Building, with support from Mr Sibumbe and Mr Mbuyane. His talent earned him third place and a Samsung Galaxy A23. For Mathebula, it was more than a prize. It was confirmation that the talent he developed during his hardest years could become a source of opportunity.

In 2024, he became a Gold Grad. Through the programme, he gained experience in business, teamwork and entrepreneurship in Masoyi. He began attending exhibitions, networking with other creatives and selling his artwork. He now believes building a career in art requires more than talent. “Artists need a strong identity, good skills, a portfolio and different ways to earn income,” he explains.

He says artists can explore commissions, original artwork, prints, exhibitions and workshops.

“I have learned that artists do not have to give up their passion to make a living. Instead, we can build a business that supports our passion,” he says.

As he approaches his 25th birthday, Mathebula is preparing for another milestone.

Before the end of October, he plans to launch his art business online, making it easier for customers to view and purchase his work. The launch will also form part of his birthday celebration. Rather than simply celebrating his own life, he wants to give back to his community by using his art to create meaningful gifts for families, friends and loved ones.

For an artist whose journey began in childhood loneliness, the idea carries deep meaning.

His artwork represents more than lines on paper. It represents years of pain, growth and self-discovery.

For enquiries and artwork:

Phone: 079 120 0080

Email: simangamathebula672@gmail.com / mactheblar02@gmail.com

Delivery: Nationwide at own cost