The cobblers of Umhlali, since 1964
The duo's day-to-day lives exist almost purely for the sole purpose of making sure that people can comfortably continue moving around in shoes both of them had either made by hand, or repaired.
Sixty-five-year-old Sebastian Mfumo junior earned the right to continue carrying on his father’s legacy as resident shoemaker in Umhlali village because of the words of 19th Century Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, who said that ‘a father’s holy life is a rich legacy for his sons’.
Shoe polish, scissors especially made for cutting leather and needles with thread capable of holding together the sole of a shoe for years to come, litter one of Umhlali’s oldest businesses where two men spend their time stitching together a promise of comfort and durability for their clients.
Sebastian’s father, also Sebastian, first opened the business now known as Sebastian and Mathew’s Shoes in 1964 after obtaining a diploma in shoe-making.
It took years for the business to become widely known, but today even international clients revisit the shop when on holiday on the North Coast.
“It is a legacy,” said Sebastian junior, adding that to this day he repairs shoes that show his father’s own handiwork.
Sebastian’s father died in 2001, not before teaching him his trade and leaving Sebastian to continue the business.
He said it had been an honour to do so and helped him remember his father.
“It is not just about being able to repair any kind of shoe, or being able to make shoes. It is about the joy I receive from doing it,” he said in Zulu with a friend translating.
Born and raised in Umhlali, Sebastian said that when he retired he would leave the business to his nephew, Mathew (40).
Sebastian’s own children, Sakhile and Goodenough, have taken up careers in architecture and administration.
Mathew said that just as Sebastian’s father took pride in doing a job well, and Sebastian junior did the same, he too hoped to continue in the same manner.
“Working here brings me a sense of peace. There is no stress even though the day starts at 5.30am. I love working on shoes,” said Mathew.
The duo’s day-to-day lives exist almost purely for the sole purpose of making sure that people can comfortably continue moving around in shoes both of them had either made by hand, or repaired.
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