John Koenakeefe Mohl was born on 29 September 1903 in Dinokana, Zeerust in the North-West Province. Mohl's father was a carpenter who sculpted objects such as chairs and mealie stampers. During his youth, Mohl drew with 'pepa' on rocks and made clay objects. He attended primary school in Dinokana where his teachers reprimanded him for constantly drawing in class. Mohl's father eventually withdrew him from school to tend to the goats. Nevertheless, Reverend Hale soon recognized Mohl's talent and convinced his father to allow him to draw.

Mohl attended the Moeding Training Institute (later known as Tigerkloof Training School) where he attained a teacher's diploma. He subsequently accompanied a German artist to South West Africa (now Na...