Shoemaker Jimmy counts his blessings

‘IN what started as a family dispute that turned sour, resulting in me getting arrested, has yielded positive results in my life.

‘Serving eight years behind bars has been a blessing in disguise for me in many ways.’

That is how an Empangeni shoemaker, Richards ‘Jimmy’ Mthembu began telling his story when the Zululand Observer paid him a visit last week at his table on the sidewalk of Maxwell Street.

Jimmy, as he is affectionately known, is one of the few informal traders who do not shy away from talking about his past.

‘I still remember that before that unfortunate incident which landed me in prison, I had not received any formal skills training.

‘But when I was behind bars, I received training in carpentry and shoemaking.

‘I always tell people that if it was not for those prison warders at Empangeni’s Qalakabusha Correctional Centre, I would not be where I am today. Those people shaped my life for the better,’ he says.

Macekane-born Jimmy is thrilled that his business, which he started in 2006, is able to place food on the table for him and his family of five.

‘I’m now a member of the chorus that says ‘count your blessings, name them one by one, and you will be surprised to find out what the Lord has done.’

Born in 1962, he is not ashamed to disclose that he was forced to leave school at an early age as there was no one to support him financially.

He then started working as a gardener, earning R350 per month.

As he was telling his story, there were interruptions now and then as most of his customers kept flocking to his business, others wanting some favours.

A cheerful character, Jimmy says while he would like to see his business grow, he hates the attitude of some of his clients who bring their shoes for repair but refuse to pay.

‘I know that I’m very kind, but at times people tend to take advantage of my kindness. I also get irritated when police officers for some reasons decide to harass us as informal traders.

One of his regular clients, Njabulo Zulu, said he enjoyed doing business with Jimmy.

‘He is very understanding and kind and people here love him.’

Jimmy is also excited about the creation of a new Ministry of Small Business, headed by Minister Lindiwe Zulu, as he believes it will assist and empower them as emerging entrepreneurs.