2 CLIP FOR AN AFRICAN TAILOR

Sithembile Nqongqo says I can call him Jeffrey if his name is too difficult for me to pronounce.

I do prefer Sithembile. That's ok. And I do not have to call him Mr.Nqongqo because he is a really friendly person. I can call him by his first name. 

He is the African Tailor at Hi-Way with the blue measuring tape always hanging around his neck.

Sithembile sews on a slightly altered black Singer sewing machine with a sparkling silver label that dates back to the 1940's.

That is his shop. 

A cellphone advertising sign-board with the old Vodacom-Guy with the white beard, so very well known in South Africa, adorns the front of his working table.

His main business are alterations.

I do not design, he says

And these are three of his costumers waiting in his shop, keeping him company

Is he a good tailor, I ask ?

A single YES shooting from three mouths !

A dress for me he will make for " 2 clip" . That is 200 Rand.

But he is too busy now. 

He has got too much work, but can I can come at the end of the month?

So you are rich then? I ask. 

And he gives me a broad grin.

Traditional Will Never Be Out Of Fashion !!!

We received one last piece of useful advice from the SEWING SISTERS.

" A Woman does not have to look like a twig, cause what man does want a twig ? "

Another relieving thought don't you think?

THE SEWING SISTERS OF THE CHURCH

       AND OUR BREAD GIVES US DAILY

Entrepreneurial activities sprout everywhere. In every street of every unit. They are no limits in terms of creativity, improvisation, the use of space and logistics and in the way business is done. There is an unbreakable spirit of self-help and help-each-other attitude amongst the citizens of Mdantsane.

The TWO SEWING SISTERS have set up their business in a church. 

The importance of networking has not to be explained to the people of Mdantsane. This small business was created when the Ethembeni Old Age Home received a donation of brand new modern sewing machines and had no immediate use for them.

But two ladies with exceptional sewing skills and ambitious attitude were already seizing the opportunity and with the church's permission to use the space during the week a small sized business was created in a couple of days.

The space is enough to expand and who complains if he has a whole church as a workshop. And their skills are quite considerate. Where have they learned sewing,,, by themselves of course.

And it is not surprising that this demanding business was started by the two ladies at an age where some others might be turning thoughts about retiring and the way they will spent the rest of their lives. There is no slowing down here in this part of town and we have never heard  the expression " too old " which had a relieving effect on us. The spirit in the township is the opposite to some European countries where everything has to happen when you are young.

The success of their business is based on the fact that they do know their costumers, that they have found their market and that the quality of their products is of a very high standard. There is mutual understanding and respect for each other and a shared love for peanut butter and Rooiboos tea.

The recipe is easy, they say:  " TRADITIONAL WILL NEVER BE OUT OF FASHION ".
And do it as the costumers want it. !

But although cherish the way a lady dresses.....