Meet the Ballito Junction art buddies
Set up in the corridor next to Dischem Pharmacy, these eye-catching works of art are the products of the talented Jefrey Chitsumba and Adam Sahwenge
Brilliantly coloured paper-mâché Hoopoes and hot pink wire flamingos are turning heads at the Ballito Junction.
Set up in the corridor next to Dischem Pharmacy, these eye-catching works of art are the products of the talented Jefrey Chitsumba and Adam Sahwenge.
These two enterprising Zimbabweans previously sold their wares on the beach at Clark Bay. But when the mall opened they boldly approached the management with their rather unique product.
“Our luck was in and the management allowed us to set up shop at the mall free of charge.
“Although we are not making a lot of money, it is much better than our old spot,” said Chitsumba.
The two said they learnt these skills while they were still in school in Zimbabwe, in Manicaland province, not knowing that they would one day depend on them for a living.
The art buddies said after struggling to find a job that would pay a decent salary, they decided to go back to what they knew how to make with their own hands.
“Getting a job in Zimbabwe is very difficult right now so you have to find something that you are good at and master it. After I moved to South Africa I did get some piecemeal jobs, but it was not enough to support us. I had to start my own business,” said Sahwenge.
Both men have families to support and have settled in Shayamoya.
Sahwenge said paper-mâché requires you to be a very patient because to make only a small bird takes up to five hours.
“I make zebras, birds, big mamas and I am planning to include more animals, such as fish and cats.”
Chitsumba – the wire master – loves to use his craft to bring animals, like his funky chameleons, to life.
>> 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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