On 26 August 2025, we had the privilege of handing over a unique guitar to 11-year-old Scarlett Williams at Tambotie House. Scarlett loves playing the guitar and is part of a group of children who receive weekly guitar lessons from Pieter Labuschagne.

As part of a school project, the task was to create an instrument from recyclable materials. A guitar was chosen, which was designed and built with the help of Uncle Toppe Topham from Bosvelsig.

What makes this instrument so special is that it was made entirely from everyday, recycled materials. The guitar’s sound box was crafted from a Supreme Cake Wheat Flour tin, which Uncle Toppe himself found at the scrapyard. The strings are ordinary fishing line. The tuning pegs and knobs were designed and made by hand. For the frets – the crossbars on the guitar neck – toothpicks were used. The rear nut (string guide) was made from a piece of giraffe shin bone. In addition, this specially designed guitar has four carefully cut sound holes to improve tone and resonance.

Uncle Toppe expressed his gratitude for being able to use his knowledge and skill to bring joy to a child’s heart. We extend our heartfelt thanks to him for this precious gift and gesture of love.