Driven by art for a better life

The love of art and financial difficulties forced Siza Kadango (33) to leave his home country Zimbabwe and come to South Africa.

Kadango depends on his bead work to provide a living for his family. He is renting a one bedroom house in Shayamoya and he described his work as the commander of his heartbeat.

“I used to work as an electrician (unqualified) in Zimbabwe, but after I started experimenting with the art of beads and wiring, I decided to leave my job and concentrate on my skill.

Although, it does not give me enough money, it makes me happy and it is something I am passionate about,” said Kadango.

According to him the reason he left Zimbabwe was because the price of beads and wire were too high and there was no other way of overcoming that challenge besides coming to South Africa.

“A packet of beads in South Africa cost me R14 while in Zimbabwe it would have cost me nothing less than R40,” said Kadango.

Leaving his home for his new country has not been easy, and life has not been good to him and his family.

While on his way to South Africa, Kadango was offered accommodation in Durban by a fellow Zimbabwean.

Unfortunately, the man and stole all of Kadango’s money that he had saved for his family and business.

“I could not send money home to my family but I managed to save for their trip to South Africa and from that time, I have been struggling to keep afloat,” said Kadango.

He said getting his own stand at markets is the biggest challenge. He believes if he can have a stall regularly it will have a positive effect on his business.

“I did get one at the Umhlali Village market and I saw how big a difference it can make financially,” said Kadango.

He praised Salt Rock resident Franci du Plessis for helping him out during the xenophobic attacks in Durban and supporting him financially whenever necessary.

” He is the one who is always trying to find a stall for me in different markets and he even gave me accommodation during the xenophobic attacks. I do not have much to give that man for the support he gave us, but I know that God will bless him,” said Kadango.

For more information about his work you can call him on 074 608 3873.