New form of advertising on Durban beaches

ing the latest cars on the market, speaking up against rhino poaching and promoting the city of Durban, Hlengwa and his partner, Thulani Dhlamini, were constantly approached by businesses to create artworks.

The offer was hard to refuse, especially when they needed the money to pay for the day’s shelter and save for a rainy day.

“We have more than doubled our earnings and feel a sense of pride when businesses approach us to help promote their work.

“The adverts are kept for a month, and a new one is made if the sculpture looks old.”

Mini Copper and Nivea moisturising products are among our big name clients,” said Hlengwa.

Dhlamini, 21, who started in the business when he was 16 years old, said business had boomed over the festive season.

“We are hoping to expand our creativity and want to make sculptures out of concrete that can be displayed at Durban houses.

There is so much one can do if they only put their mind to the task,” he added.

Adverts cost from R200 to R500.

Visitors can get a picture of their sand sculptures for R5 and have their names engraved on them for R20.

A few metres away is Gugu Nkabinde, who worked in the sand-sculpting business for eight years.

He charges from R200 to R400 a month.

“People mainly advertise in December, but there are some sales throughout the year.

By engaging with advertising, we are not only building our social skills, but also making money in the process,” added Nkabinde.

According to the city, this is not an illegal act as the sculptors pay for a permit every month.

Head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, said sand sculptors had fallen under coastal areas informal trading management since 2010.

“The sand sculptors pay for permits which are R44 a month and R528 for a year.

“They are charged as per the informal trade tariffs passed by the city and guided by the informal trade policy,” she said.