Durban man weaves recipe for success
Lionel Ngwenda's dream is to buy an industrial sewing machine and enough material and supplies to grow his entrepreneurial venture.
A HOMELESS Durban man has stitched his creativity and perseverance together to create fashionable backpacks after losing his job during the lockdown last year.
Using the R350 Covid Relief Grant, handed out by government to assist unemployed South Africans, Lionel Ngwenda decided to use the funds productively and create a sustainable product to help him earn an income.
Ngwenda, who learned how to sew by watching his mother, said, “Living on the street is not easy. Having nowhere to bath, or get a good meal will take its toll on anyone. When I received the R350 grant, I sat down and thought, why not use that money to create something that’s going to be productive and something that’s going to last forever. I thought of using my skills, talent and the dream that I had to start from that R350. I bought some material and started my first bag in a tent at the homeless shelter. This was followed by more bags.”
“It started in June last year when a group of people from the municipality watched how everything was done and published a story in the Metro Beat newspaper. I got together with the guys and taught them how to sew. We continued and met some old ladies at Umgeni Community Centre who were very passionate about sewing. Our bags are not so common, they are very unique, stylish and traditional, exactly what you need,” said Ngwenda.
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When asked about his future plans, he said he sees himself owning factories around the community.
His dream is to buy an industrial sewing machine and enough material and supplies to grow his entrepreneurial venture.
Next he wants to buy a house. “We have many skilled people in the sewing industry sitting with no jobs.
There is a big demand in the bag industry in South Africa, that’s why we have to take over everywhere,” he said.
His advice to others who are struggling to stay afloat in these tough times is, “Instead of sitting at home, start where you are and use what you have and do whatever you can to create an income for yourself. There’s no need to wait for a job, a miracle that’s going to come one day and rescue you.”
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