Springs Mall, along with the City of Ekurhuleni and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, hosted a two-day exhibition on September 24 and 25 for local artists from across the city.

One exhibitor from Daveyton, Shimane ‘Shimza’ Radinne, told the Springs Advertiser that local exhibitions allow artists to showcase handmade products while highlighting how creativity and recycling can contribute to the local economy.

Shimza, who is partnered with the city, said he decided to take part in the exhibition as part of Heritage Month celebrations.

He said he has always had a passion for handmade products, particularly wallets, and saw the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase his work and connect with people.

Among the products she makes are bags, wallets and earrings, with each item made by hand. His crafting journey began in high school, when he started collecting leather waste and turning it into bags.

Although he considers crafting a natural talent, he shared that he has worked to develop his skills through training and practice.

“I can say it is a talent. But for it to grow, you must nourish it,” said Shimza.

He later attended a one-day course where he learnt the basics of making bags. This encouraged him to pursue further training, including fashion and leather bag-making courses, to improve his skills.

For Shimza, crafting is not only about creating attractive products but also about reducing waste.

“I think the first thing is that Vutha African Bags is a proud South African brand. Our products are made from handcrafted materials and when tourists arrive in the country, they want anything that screams South Africa, so it is the way to show the world our art and attract tourists too,” he said.

He believes local artists and crafters play an important role in supporting the local economy, particularly because visitors often look for uniquely African, handmade products.

Unlike mass-produced items found in large retail stores, Shimza said handmade products offer customers something different because each item is created individually.

He also encouraged young people to look beyond traditional career paths and take time to discover their own talents. As part of the day’s celebration, the Sibahle Ngemasiko EmaSwati Cultural Group entertained the mall’s shoppers.

The group’s founder, Nelly Simelane, told the publication that they are grateful to showcase the young girls’ talent, as it was their first time outside the townships, and that they hope for more performances.

She said it is important for youth to know their cultures and traditions because it helps preserve them for future generations.

“In the group, we have girls from various cultures, so it is one of the ways that we learn as adults too about other heritages.

“One of the reasons I started the group is that I saw children around the community and I did not want them to be part of the negative part, so I used it as an opportunity for them to learn cultural songs and dance and be able to be part of moments like this,” said Simelane.