Durban sand artist hopes to expand horizons

On a daily basis, Khayelihle Ngwane draws in visitors and locals with his creative sand sculptures near Suncoast Beach.

The 32-year-old has expressed his desire to travel abroad and showcase his sand sculptures to new audiences.

“The thing that wakes me up everyday is that I was tired of suffering. I was tired of living in poverty. Drawing is something I love to do and, while I was at school, I knew that arts and crafts was my biggest outlet,” said Ngwane.

Ngwane said the festive season draws in scores of visitors but that did not always translate to money in his pocket.

“These days it’s not the same. I’m not sure if the pandemic has hindered things, but there are certain days that are quiet and only a few where it is busy. That’s why I’d like to go overseas and earn more money and expand my horizons,” said Ngwane.

“I start working by 08:00. I work a long day because it’s quiet, so I am trying to make something. On a good day, I make between R100 and R300, but sometimes I go home with nothing. It is not easy doing this work,” he said.