IF YOU’RE frequently around the vicinity of Mackeurtan Avenue in Virginia, you’ll notice Owen Katsande, a basket weaver and beader who’s stationed under a tree in the parking lot outside Checkers.
Katsande, who hails from Avoca, is no stranger to the neighbourhood as the particular spot has been his business premises for over 10 years.
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He approached Checkers and asked if he could trade from the parking lot, and the agreement has remained intact since then.
“I came to Durban from Zimbabwe 13 years ago in search of greener pastures. When I arrived in KwaZulu-Natal, I knew how to bead as I’d learnt about it during art in school back home. I learnt how to weave a few years ago from a group of women here as I needed to expand my business,” he said.
Katsande learnt that the isiZulu word for grass is ‘ilala’, and this is what he uses to weave his pieces of art.
He displays an assortment of items, which include picnic and fruit baskets, placemats, laundry baskets, pot-plant holders and little baskets to place your trinkets and keys into. He also makes several beaded items which are a hit with locals and tourists.
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“Before Covid, the beadwork was enough to sustain my livelihood, but when the pandemic hit and business dwindled, I had to find another way to keep going so I started weaving,” said Katsande.
This business is a family affair with his wife and three children also assisting from their home in Avoca.
His clients are local, and about 60% are tourists.
“Even the locals have gotten me international clients. They buy my baskets on behalf of friends and family who live abroad and post them to them,” he said.
He said that although there are some who feel his items are too pricey, most understand his trade and the amount of time each item takes to complete.
“The items I create are one-of-a-kind. They’re not mass-produced and sold in volume for everyone to have. My work is unique,” said Katsande.
He said he was grateful to Anthem Church and Domino Foundation for providing him with a storeroom where he keeps his goods.
“I am a part of this community who are very caring towards me and my family. If they don’t see me at my spot, they ask what happened when I return. They also assisted my family and me with food vouchers and money during Covid. People love me, and I love them,” he said.
You can visit Katsande at his spot every Monday to Saturday or call him on 072 197 4297.
He welcomes special orders.
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