What many people see as discarded scrap metal, Maun-based artist Lebopo Magola sees an opportunity to tell stories, celebrate African identity, and create lasting works of art.
Working primarily with steel and recycled metal, Magola has spent the last five years transforming industrial waste into striking sculptures that reflect culture, heritage, and the African experience. During a recent tour of his studio, he showcased a collection of artworks, including sculptures depicting the Three Chiefs, an artistic representation of the forefathers of the nation, a map of the African continent and a guitar, all meticulously crafted from scrap and recycled metal.
Magola described his unique relationship with his chosen medium through a simple but powerful analogy.
“I see steel like water, and water can take any shape,” he said, explaining the philosophy that guides his creative process.
The self-taught artist’s journey began during a period of unemployment when he turned to the resources available around him. Armed with an old grinder and pieces of discarded metal, he created his first artworks, laying the foundation for a career that continues to evolve.
His interest in craftsmanship can be traced back to his childhood and the influence of his father, a handyman whose work ranged from plumbing to various repair jobs. Growing up around tools and practical craftsmanship helped shape Magola’s creative outlook and appreciation for working with his hands.
Today, his work explores themes of identity and belonging, with a particular focus on what it means to be African. By repurposing materials that have been discarded, he believes he can create art that mirrors the resilience and creativity of African communities and the wider African diaspora.
Magola said the process of transforming leftover materials into meaningful artworks allows him to tell stories that might otherwise go untold, giving new purpose to objects that have been cast aside.
Despite having no formal training in the field, he has developed his skills through self-study and online learning. He credits the internet as an important resource in helping him refine his techniques and expand his understanding of metal art.
Looking ahead, the Maun native hopes to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with steel, taking on increasingly ambitious projects that demonstrate the medium’s artistic potential.
His vision is to continue growing as an artist while creating larger and more complex works that transform steel into enduring pieces of art.
Through his innovative use of recycled materials, Magola is redefining perceptions of scrap metal, proving that creativity can flourish from the most unlikely of beginnings.
