Making crosses to make a living
The three also make crosses people can hang in their vehicles
Valancia Kleynhans, Martin van Wyk and Paul van Loggerenberg make a living by making crosses and fruit baskets out of Palm Tree leaves.
These close friends cannot find employment anywhere and decided to do something different in order to make a living.
Their extraordinary enterprise is really taking off and making them money.
You may be wondering how they make their crosses and baskets though… What Valancia, Martin and Paul do is they cut the leaves, let them dry for about an hour, and then shape them according to what they want to make.
Thereafter, they polish or vanish the finished product.
They are so “clued up” in their craft that they can make six crosses in an hour. People buy the crosses at a reasonable price and stand them next to the graves of their beloved.
The threesome’s endeavour started recently, exclusively making crosses, and then Martin decided to also make fruit baskets out of palm tree leaves, shaping them to perfection and touching them up with varnish.
Ladysmith residents seem to be intrigued by this rare talent as they choose their favourite cross or fruit basket.
The three also make crosses people can hang in their vehicles – different sizes if requested.
“It is very difficult to find a job in Ladysmith. We have children and we need to feed and provide for them, so this is what we have come up with.”
Valancia matriculated but until now, she is still battling to find a job. “I tried everywhere until I decided not to rely on anyone and let my fingers work some magic. We put our heads together and decided to do something different, aiming to make money to support ourselves and our families. This is our way of doing so,” says entrepreneur Valancia with a smile on her face.
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