Japhet learnt to make clay pots from his mother who used to make clay pots for cooking, and storing water and food. The elder men would use her pots to drink beer. His mother once made a very big pot with a lid on it, in which she stored their water. She buried this big pot under the kitchen floor to keep the water cold.
At the age of twenty, he attended the Nzilikazi School of Arts and Crafts in Zimbabwe, where he studied Sculpture, Fine Art and Commercial Art, and specialised in Pottery.
Japhet’s working career began at an art gallery. One of our art dealers invited me to South Africa. My working career continued in South
Africa, where I worked for several people in different fields. I am proud to say that lam one of only three cup and saucer throwers in South Africa. I can make any customised article you want as long as it is round. I met my wife Pauline Betty and we decided to get married in 1994. We have only one daughter, named Nqobile-Jane Hlatshwayo. As the only remaining male sibling, I am now the proud father of ten children for whom I have to provide.
It is our custom to take in the children of our brothers and sisters who have passed on. I believe that family has to take care of each other, no matter what the circumstances.
In November 2013, Sticks and Twigs CC. employed me as their potter. The owner created a new company within the group, Indalo Holdings, and named it Indalo "Natures Own" Pottery Studio. The owner has given me the opportunity to become the part owner of my own pottery studio, and registered us as members of Ceramics South Africa.
My goal is to give training and hold seminars, teaching pottery to all who would love to work with clay. I take bookings for training sessions at schools, church functions, social functions and corporate functions, where we use clay to do team-building and build motivation.