There is a new entrant in the country’s fashionable footwear arena and it’s eager to be all the rage on Cape Town’s beaches this summer.
Mabhuti Mzomba crafts handmade Africa-inspired flip-flops for the local and tourist markets.
The Khayelitsha entrepreneur, 36, started his footwear business last year after his late mother noticed his skill in creating the designs popularised on beaches around the world and encouraged him to start a business.
Mr Mzomba is quick to admit his initial design “was not good”, he has slowly learnt how to perfect the craft – after being encouraged by family and friends who started placing orders for their own hand-crafted sandals.
His big break came last year when he took his designs to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown) to promote his brand – which proved a massive hit.
Mzomba said he would never have been able to start his business had it not been for the support and guidance of his mother.
“My mother had been in the business of sewing for a very long time and taught me the skills. I was always interested in doing something with my hands and * loved slippers and sandals a lot.”
Mr Mzomba said with summer fast approaching, people needed to wear comfortable footwear when going to the beach or walking on the streets of Cape Town.
“The difference with my sandals is that * have added some beads to give it an African look.”
He said his biggest obstacle had been compliance with factory requirements in terms of quality and standards.
“This is a big hurdle for every person who is in the manufacturing industry, especially for small businesses.
At the moment * am doing orders. My production is not yet on the shelves, but one day * am looking forward to having my sandals all over the world.”
While he works out of a small room, Mr Mzomba hopes that the business will grow to someday operate from a factory.
“People love these flip-flops and this really encourages me to move forward. With the assistance of people working with me * am hoping to also see this concept help to develop the skills of young people.”
Olivia Mboniswa, who assists with the beadwork details on the flip-flops, said her boss should be proud of his efforts in creating his own brand.
“It’s encouraging to see young people doing something to make a genuine living and at the same time creating job opportunities for the unemployed in their neighbourhoods.
“South Africa needs people and young people like him. It’s time for young people to stand on their feet and let the government join them on the way because waiting for something to happen will delay your achievements,” said Ms Mboniswa.