Crafters revamp informal trading facility in Mzingazi
A GROUP of youngsters in Mzingazi have revived a market stall facility in the area in order to sell their arts and craft.
Originally constructed for informal traders, the facility had been left unoccupied for months and as a result became a dumping ground.
‘We decided to revamp this space because we struggled for some time to find a commercial location to sell our work.
‘These market stalls have been here for many years and people have not been using it,’ said Velenkosini Mnyandu
‘So, we approached the councillor and Induna, who gave us permission to refurbish it.
‘We removed all the litter, cut the grass and did a little painting to make the place more inviting,’ .
The unemployed youth said the aim is to put their talent of creating wooden sculptures, paintings and seating made from old tyres to good use.
‘I worked at a local firm as an intern, but when the contract ended I was not offered a permanent position.
‘Sitting at home for some time, unable to secure employment, we all made a decision to do something productive with our time,’ said Sizwe Myeni.
He said they use broken tree branches, masonite, sand and wire to create their artwork.
‘We are basically recyclers. Things that people consider rubbish we turn into art,’ Sizwe said.
Siyabonga Mncube said the biggest challenge now was securing a client base within the community.
‘Most people say they are not interested in art, but we won’t give up,’ he said.
‘This facility must continue to serve its purpose. We have put in a lot of work cleaning this space not only for our benefit, but for other small businesses in the area as well.’