A stitch in time saves nine

Lacking even a matric certificate, 28-year-old Dingaani Ndlazi has not let life’s hardships get him down and is making his way in the world – one stitch at a time.

Ndlazi came to the Dolphin Coast in 2013 and started his own upholstery business.

“It has been really tough but through hard work and believing in myself I have managed to keep going,” said Ndlazi.

Working out of a cramped tin shack just past Umhlali Country Club, he stitches up sofas, car seats and more with such a fine eye that he has started developing a reputation along the Dolphin Coast for his work.

Charlotte Roets from Ballito was so impressed with the quality of his work that she took to Facebook to share her experience, praising him for his work and humility.

“He did an absolutely awesome job for me,” she told The Courier. Roets said she discovered Ndlazi when she was on her way home from church one Sunday and saw the sign he had put up next to the road.

“He did my whole lounge suite for me – and I have Jack Russells that did some serious damage – so it was not an easy task. At first I thought even if he does not do that great a job at least I will have supported a local entrepreneur, but his work was outstanding – I would definitely recommend him,” Roets said.

Ndlazi said he learnt how to upholster from his brother, Sox, and can do just about any kind of upholstery work.

“Most of the money I make goes towards supporting my two boys, John (6) and Lucky (1),” Ndlazi said. He said he enjoys listening to music in his free time, especially Lucky Dube.

“It is a real struggle because I am using a very old sewing machine and conditions are difficult in the shack where I work.” Ndlazi appealed to the community for help with his upholstery business.

“If anyone has a sewing machine they can donate I would greatly appreciate it, and if anyone knows of a better place for me to run my business from it would make all the difference in the world.”

So the next time you have some upholstery that needs doing, why not give a struggling entrepreneur a chance and visit Dingaani Ndlazi?

Look out for his sign between the Umhlali Country Club and the R102.

If you have a sewing machine or similar equipment to donate to Ndlazi, give him a call at 073 117 2874.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

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