Shoes from Brian’s stand. Photo by Brian Makuyana.
12 December 2012
Brian Makuyana is a leather craftsman who makes leather bags, belts, shoes and key holders. He is twenty five years old and originally from Zimbabwe.
He came to South African in 2005, leaving behind his parents and two sisters. He now has a seven month old child with a beautiful South African woman.
It cost Makuyana about R10,000 to start his own business. He had to pay for rent, paying staff members and to buy the material from Johannesburg to make his products.
Makuyana’s stand is in Khayelitsha next to Khayelitsha station. Each month he can make up to R4,000 but he only takes this amount during festive season or summer. In winter the business is very slow because of the rain. He doesn’t have a shelter, so he uses the open space next to the station to sell his things.
“I’ve been waiting for a business permit for two years! This is preventing me from pursuing my plans for the business,” said Makuyana.
His bank account is no longer active and he can’t ask for a loan until he receives his business permit.
Makuyana’s shoes are selling for R80 for adults, R50 for kids; bags are from R300, belts from R80 and key holders from R15.