A non-traditional way of earning a living
Not all unemployed youths become idle loiterers
As a family man, you need to provide for your family in whichever way necessary.
Mthembeni Dumakude, Nkululeko Nxumalo and Talent Zonzi have teamed up to create a business for themselves.
The trio is making traditional clothes and shoes made from recycled tyres.
The shoes are called ‘izimbadada’ in isiZulu and have made a comeback as many South Africans lay claim to their traditions and culture.
Dumakude, who is an expert in crafting shoes said he started the business in 1998 after being retrenched.
“I did not have any idea on how to design the shoes so I used to hang out with the neighbours who were doing the same business and started teaching myself by looking at them when they were busy making the shoes.
“Since then I decided that I needed to start my own business,” said Dumakude who lives in Merafe Hostel with his family.
He said at first, the business was very slow but business has started booming once the word got out and he is supported by residents who in most cases need the attire to attend weddings and traditional events.
“I am able to put food on the table with this trade and I want to see this business growing and becoming one of the better-known producers of traditional dress,” he said.
Dumakude said that at the moment his setback is getting enough tyres to increase production. He usually gets the old tyres from locals and mechanics in the community.
For Nxumalo, designing traditional and wedding gear has helped him steer clear of the stereotype so prevalent in the community which sees unemployed men as idle loiterers.
According to him, he studied design at a school in Laanglaagte and on completion, decided to open the business which has been running for the past seven years.
If you are a keen follower of tradition and custom and would like to own some of their creations, the trio can be found in the hostel yard near the main entrance.
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