“That’s So Creative”: Free State Artist Turns Recycled Cans Into Wearable Art
- A Free State man named Bestman went viral for crafting stunning wearable art entirely from discarded beverage cans
- His creations include a jacket made from 396 cans, a matching sling bag, a metallic cap, and a functioning umbrella
- South Africans praised his creativity online, with some suggesting luxury brands like Balenciaga should take note
- Briefly News spoke to Lyson, also known as Bestman, an artist from Ventersburg in the Free State, who has turned discarded cans into unique wearable art while creating opportunities from waste
Source: TikTok
A viral clip showing a massive bag of crushed aluminium cans that earned its collector just R36 sparked conversation across South Africa. But one Free State man took that same material and turned it into something far more valuable. Bestman, an artist based in Ventersburg in the Free State, has been making headlines for his extraordinary craft.
Growing up near mine dumps, he learned early to see potential in what others discard. As a child, he collected bottle caps after the tavern closed, storing them in a coffee tin under his bed. Five tabs became fifty, then five hundred. People mocked him, asking what he planned to do with trash. He kept going anyway.
Man rocks beverage cans
His work speaks for itself. Using hundreds of discarded beverage cans, pop-tabs, and wire, Bestman handcrafts fully wearable, metallic outfits and functional objects. A jacket assembled from 396 cans paired with a sling bag made from 218 cans. A structured cap crafted from polished pop-tabs. A fully functioning umbrella canopy built from linked aluminium discs.
User @lysonmafuta's craft stall in Ventersburg draws attention daily, and his creations have turned heads in Welkom and Durban. Bestman credits a higher power for his ability, saying he believes every talent comes from God.
Watch the TikTok video below:
Lyson told Briefly News that what started as a way to make extra income eventually opened his eyes to the creative possibilities of discarded materials.
"I started collecting cans to make extra income, but when I saw how many were being thrown away, I became inspired to do more. Now I don't just see rubbish, I see material for art and business. It changed me because I learned to be patient and creative. Small things can become something big."
The artist has since experimented with turning cans and their different parts into creative and wearable pieces, including a vest, hat and bag.
"I actually do art with tins. As you can see in the photos, I make wearable art, a vest from can tabs, a hat, and even a bag from can bottoms. I believe we can add more value to waste instead of only selling it. With support and training, I could make more products and teach others."
For aspiring creatives who want to turn waste into an opportunity, Lyson encouraged them to start with what they have and remain committed despite criticism from others.
"Start small and stay consistent. Collect every day. Get gloves, find food recycling centres, and don't be ashamed. Some people will laugh, but you are turning waste into money and opportunity. Keep going."
Mzansi praises his creativity
South Africans had a lot to say in the comments section:
Tshepo.S wrote:
"Sell this to Somizi."
LEBOHANG JUSTICE MANELI said:
"That's so creative and innovative."
Hazel T reacted:
"Yoh, Balenciaga will copy this."
Lalah. shared:
"Maxhosa might just need these creative pieces for their next runway project. Someone tag Laduma."
Xoli commented:
"Street smart. Creative. Rare."
Norah said:
"You have a talent; I wish you well so that you can go far."
Cyberthreat joked:
"Shawn Michaels would wear that to the ring."
3 Other Briefly News stories about recycling
- A woman from KwaMhlabuyalingana in KwaZulu-Natal is building a full house using only trash and old bottles.
- A South African man named Kamvelihle Kondlo, who lives in Germany, shared that recycling a few plastic bottles allowed him to buy himself a few grocery items.
- A Mzansi woman demonstrated how to recycle soap scraps into a new bar in a creative TikTok video.
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Source: Briefly News
