Victor ‘bags’ new hope
"It makes me proud that someone is helping me because I am helping myself," said the Verulam artisan.
A SELFLESS deed to help another human being does not need to involve thousands of Rands or even hours of dedication. Following a recent chance meeting on the beach eMdloti resident, Esther Bishop has changed the life of Verulam craftsman, Victor Luphahla.
Intrigued and impressed by his beautiful and unique leather and bamboo shoulder bags Bishop struck up a conversation with the artisan.
She learnt of his wife and three children and how he is struggling to make an honest living.
Bishop, who is a business woman, decided that she wanted to help him improve his business.
“I am blessed. I have a good education and my own business. Since the beginning of the year I have wanted to do something as my social responsibility. I have been looking around and then bumped into Victor. Everything just fell into place,” she said.
Not only has she organised with a local bamboo cuttings supplier to assist Luphahla with off-cuts for his crafting, but she has also sponsored him a stand at several markets, including the upcoming 31 Club’s Bags and Blossoms Spring High Tea on on 8 September.
“I am very grateful to Esther. It makes me proud that someone is helping me because I am helping myself. I don’t steal from anyone. I want to make an honest living. And while I am poor financially I am rich in talent and working hard,” he said.
Luphahla can be found on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday selling his crafts on North Beach near the traffic circle.
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