The Story of Themba Lize

When Themba was growing up in a township near Johannesburg, he had one pair of shoes which he wore to school and church; at other times he went barefoot. His father was a labourer who mended shoes to earn extra money to support his family. This is where Themba started learning his trade. He would take apart an old pair of shoes and use it as a pattern for a new pair.

“I knew that I wanted to make shoes, and the thought of having only one pair encouraged me,” he says.   

When he moved to Cape Town, he learnt design and pattern-making and started his own company, joining the African Art Factory at the Waterfront. He soon caught the attention of South African fashion label, Sun Goddess, who ordered sandals for their store in Johannesburg. He applied for a loan from the Nations Trust to buy a sewing machine, raw materials and hand tools. Things were looking up, customers were coming in and so were the orders. However, on 17 April 2006, Easter Monday, a day forever etched in his memory, the building housing his studio burnt down. With nothing to fall back on, and no money to start over, he was forced to look for another job.

Greater forces were clearly at work, though. Two events occurred simultaneously: Sun Goddess, impressed with the quality of his work, placed an order for 104 pairs of sandals, and Richard Harris, of Woodheads, read about the fire in the newspaper. Themba had been a loyal customer, buying his leather and tools from the company. Harris offered him a sewing machine and everything he needed to get back on his feet again. “I really appreciate what they did for me. I cannot thank them enough.” With a 25% deposit from Sun Goddess, he was back on his feet.

It is this determination to rise above his misfortune that sees him well on his way to achieving his dream of being one of the finest qualified leather designers in South Africa.  They say you can't keep a good man down. 

Recently, Themba extended his scope to include bags made from locally produced calfskin, with beaded handles made by Kunye. 

To find out more about Themba's bags and shoes: Contact Orietta: +27 731173485 or email her at  orinicame@libero.it