Welcome to the first installment in a series we’re calling “Specialist Spotlight”, meant to highlight some of the talented & hard-working professionals that contribute to the development, fabrication, and installation of the artisan light fixtures carried by wakaNINE.

In this installment, we’ll be spotlighting Victor Mpofu – a fabrication & installation specialist at Stephen Pikus Design in Johannesburg, South Africa. Today, Vic is part of the on-site installation team which requires knowledge of both structural safety requirements and extensive electrical wiring prowess. His impressive resumé did not appear overnight, of course, but he took on challenges throughout his career and gained invaluable experience that makes him an indispensable member of the Stephen Pikus team.

Vic graduated in 2006 in Zimbabwe, with an O-level certificate (the high school equivalent here in the US).  Shortly after, he moved to Johannesburg taking a job as a bricklayer, keeping his eyes peeled for other opportunities. That opportunity arose when Vic was hired as a contractor to paint houses and the hiring party proposed that he make a move across the country to take part in other projects. Vic accepted and spent the next 4 ½ years in Durban, South Africa learning to glaze and fit glass windows for homes, schools, clinics, and shops.

In 2009, Victor married his wife Patricia, and a year later they celebrated the birth of their first child.  Two years later, the couple welcomed their second child into the family and Vic resolved to pursue the carpentry trade to support his growing family.  He used his skills to build cupboards, wardrobes, base beds, and a plethora of other precision carpentry projects.

“I love installing […] our lights in different places and provinces.” 

-Victor Mpofu

It was in 2015 that Victor met Stephen through a recommendation from a prior project. Vic started off painting for Stephen and, eventually, doors opened to take part in all kinds of projects  for Stephen Pikus Design. Vic took 3 weeks to learn how to tie, string, and assemble the Fire + Ice fixtures. After that, Vic then went on to learn electronic wiring and installation for other various SPD chandeliers including the TRuK and Glass chandeliers.

Victor recently celebrated 6 years with the Stephen Pikus Design team, and the team has benefited greatly from his tenacity, attention to detail, and phenomenal attitude. Vic says he is excited to continue learning and working with Stephen and his crew as they continue to travel and install these magnificent lighting pieces around the City of Gold and across South Africa.