At 82 years old, Iiyambo Nashilundo from Windhoek's Goreangab residential area continues to earn an income through a skill he has practised for more than five decades.

Inspired by a belt maker he once watched in a shop, Nashilundo turned his curiosity into a lifelong business. Despite his age, he still produces handmade leather products from home.

With only a blade, ruler, nails and leather, pensioner Iiyambo Nashilundo handcrafts fashionable and traditional belts from his home. Although he can no longer walk long distances because of his age, he continues to pursue the trade he taught himself more than 50 years ago.

"I walked into a shop one day and found a woman cutting leather, and I asked her what she was busy with, and she replied that she is busy making belts. I asked her to show me how it is done. While she was busy, I was looking attentively because I was willing to learn. From that day on I decided I would never buy belts from any shops again, I will be creating them myself. I have to say the talent is just in my head. If I look at something, then I know I am able to accomplish it. When I started, I was employed at a hotel, and when I started working on the belts, I used to walk around with them and sell, until now, I walk around with the products and sell them. I sell belts for young children and adults as well as for women's traditional clothes. I also sell gunholders and wallets. In a day I can make about five to six belts. If sales are good on that day, I can make up to N$ 1000 per day."

Nashilundo says business was much stronger during the 1970s, however, sales have declined over the years as he is no longer able to travel to the city centre to reach customers. Even so, he remains committed to supporting his two households, one in Windhoek and another in northern Namibia.

"Business used to be good those years; at that time I had many customers, but now business has really slowed down. I don't manage to get customers that much anymore because when I used to work, I was able to get white customers. I need assistance to get money to add and go buy material for the stock, or if anyone can donate an embroidery machine so that I can start making bags."

Nashilundo encourages pensioners to continue using their skills and experience to earn a living, saying age should not stop anyone who is still willing and able to work.