Local entrepreneur shares his leather craft

Mr Daniel Ncube (48), a local entrepreneur, has been part of the Bapsfontein community for 24 years and is known for his hand-crafted leather items.

He has been creating leather items since he was 19 years old.

He only spends one hour on a single item and can make up to 20 items a day.

“My father taught me that work comes from my hands and that I must work for myself and make something out of nothing.”

Ever since Mr Ncube began working with leather he has never looked back.

“I mostly favour the handbags and belts. I make shoes that are for everyone ”

His designs are original because wild animal hide is his favourite leather to use.

“Nguni hide, blesbok skins, springbok skins and Impala skins are what I use to give life to the picture I envision in my mind.”

Although the locals have seen Mr Ncube on the corner at the four-way stop, his handmade items have reached Durban, Capetown, Bloemfontein, Mosselbay and Newcastle.

“I enjoy my handwork. I have made thousands of items and my passion is burning in my hands.”

Never did he dream that his father’s advice and his hobby would become so much more.

When asked why Mr Ncube still sells at the corner when most of his items are known, he said “I stand in the sun and showcase my work, because at this very street it all began.

“This town is where my roots are and on this pathway is where I found my passion.”