Tommie: The street vendor who sells handmade clocks joins Rian to share his story
Tommie van Rooyen, who is known as the clockmaker, joined Rian and the Scenic Drive team to share his story.
Tommie van Rooyen was born in East Rand, but moved to Pretoria when he was a little boy. He is now a 47-year-old who sells wooden clocks on the streets of Pretoria.
van Rooyen says he makes at least thirty watches per week.
However, he's story is not that simple. Tommie was arrested in 1997 for housebreaking and was in a correctional services facility for three years. All together he was approximately behind bars for eight years while awaiting trail.
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Following his release from prison in 2001, he decided it was time to get a job.
After failing to secure a decent job, he turned to his passion - woodwork.
van Rooyen says its not only about selling his clocks but the interaction with his customers following the sale.
He says he draws his inspiration for his clocks comes from above.
"Every week I face new challenges, but I'm grateful for every opportunity."