My Wooly World: Barefoot on the Beach

Good Morning to you from a warm, sunny Ballito Beachfront. Now let it be known - I am NOT a Summer girl, as I find it uncomfortable being shiny and sticky, but there is no denying, no matter how adamant I am not to put away my winter woollies, we have officially passed through Spring and landed smack into Summer! Some super hot days lie ahead. Beach and Sun days, swimming weather, braais and shorts and thin cotton T-shirts. Sandals. Barefoot even...

As I walk, the smells of Summer envelope me and close around me like a cloak. Wafts of Coconut Suntan Lotion, Shampoo emanating from passersby (last of the holiday-makers..) which vie with the fresh smell of the sea, as families of small children are herded onto the warm sand - to play and while away some hours before the fierce intensity of the sun forces all but the real "die-hards" under some shade or indoors.

Lazy beach days, morning breakfasts outside on patios. Friendly greetings and waving amidst the welcome smell of bacon and sausages and eggs and coffee, as I pass each holiday apartment.

Interesting and colourful displays, carefully laid out on the verges, draw the eye and I particularly loved these playful caps and bags made from re-cycled tin cans.

Sylvester Mokoene steps forward to engage me in pleasant conversation and obligingly lays down some vinyl to display the pieces of can he uses to construct his caps, bracelets and bags. He is keen for me to photograph his display and volunteers a full interview of what he does.

Tin can caps lined with vinyl - how very innovative!

We discuss the merits of displaying so close to the sea as there is the inevitable rust issue, but explore the ways around that...perhaps a good spray with a good transparent varnish?

Sylvester Mokoene proudly displaying his cleverly made things. He explained that he encourages small children to collect the cans, thus helping to clean up the environment and pays them 50c per can. This not only provides a small income but teaches children from an early age that work pays off.

He then cuts the cans himself, purchases rivets and vinyl and other requisite raw materials, then trains older youth in the various manufacturing steps. They then go back to their homes and work their newly acquired skills, which Sylvester then pays them for and brings the wares back into town to market.

He maintains (quite rightly) that this keeps the otherwise unemployed young people from boredom, mischief and other wrongful practices, whilst providing them with gainful employment. He thanked me for stopping by and shaking my hand, with a big smile on his weathered face, announced I had "made his day"!
Oh, I wish you well Sylvester, for you have made my day as well!