A young woman from Lesotho has taken social media by storm after showing just how much creativity and confidence can come from picking up a drill for the first time.
From first drill to dream design
Content creator and furniture maker Nthaby Ramafu from Maseru shared a clip on Facebook on 23 August 2025 that had South Africans clapping in awe. She revealed her brand-new Ryobi drill and, instead of sticking to the basics, decided to take on a full furniture project for a client.
The client had asked for a simple round coffee table. Nthaby suggested a twist. Using metal piping to form a cylindrical base, she painted, assembled, and polished the piece into a modern, one-of-a-kind creation. The finished table looked like something pulled from a Pinterest board, except it was made in her own workshop in Lesotho.
The reaction online
Her caption, “DIY girlies are up! Let’s fix this coffee table! Please allow me to clear your Pinterest cart,” set the tone. Viewers loved it. Within hours, the post had gained over a thousand reactions. Comments poured in with admiration and questions: “Best in the game,” “Wow, my girl, this is amazing,” and “How much and where?” Others asked about her choice of top coat and materials, signalling genuine interest in her craft.
For many women across Mzansi, her video became more than just DIY inspiration. It was proof that power tools and carpentry don’t belong only to men.
Breaking barriers in male-dominated trades
Her story also highlights a larger reality. Research by Harambee has shown that South African women, despite being more educated than men overall, remain underrepresented in sectors like construction and manufacturing. They earn less on average and are less likely to be employed in these trades. Yet when women like Nthaby are given the space to prove themselves, their talent shines.
By turning metal, paint, and a wooden top into a designer coffee table, she reminded viewers that skill is not defined by gender.
Why it matters
This small viral moment reflects a wider cultural shift. Social media has become a stage where women showcase skills often overlooked in mainstream industries. Whether it’s making furniture, building homes, or crafting décor, these creators are inspiring others to try, to learn, and to challenge stereotypes.
And for clients, it’s a win. Instead of mass-produced furniture, they get something personal, functional, and made with passion.
A new wave of DIY pride
Nthaby’s video joins a growing trend of South Africans celebrating do-it-yourself projects, from bathroom renovations to homemade coconut oil. But her post carried a special resonance: it symbolised pride, resilience, and the joy of making something with your own hands.
For women watching, it was more than just a coffee table. It was a reminder that “DIY girlies” truly are up.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Eternity Marketing
