Meet Our Crafters: Bongani Khumalo
The Spier Craft Market is a showcase of some of the best craftwork produced in the greater Cape Town area. It consists of eight custom-designed units – each manned by a cluster of artists – situated along the banks of the dam, right next to our Tasting Room.
Here you’ll find wire and beadwork, 3D paintings, (removed mosaics) items from recycled materials, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and woodcarving: unique and authentic handcrafted pieces. Whether you want something simple like a key ring or fridge magnet, or a collectable art piece, there will always be something to win your heart.
One of our star crafters is Bongani Khumalo who lives in Salt River. He grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe, and has been based in Cape Town since 2003.
What does the Spier Craft market mean to you?
To me I don’t see it as a market – it’s where my bread is buttered. If it wasn’t for Spier, I wouldn’t be thriving, I would be only be surviving. I’m grateful and very proud to be a Spier stallholder.
How did you start producing the craft you make now?
In Zimbabwe, I used to make wire car toys. In Cape Town, it was the first time I started using beads with wire. I started a realistic range of animals while I was working at African Allsorts. Today, my top-sellers include kudu, lion and a sprinting cheetah (which balances on only one leg!).
How long have you been part of the Spier Craft Market?
I started selling at Spier in 2011, after friends said that this market was the only place to showcase a talent like mine. The manager, Sue, had also heard of me from the Cape Craft and Design Institute (which I’m still a member of), and this gave her confidence in my work.
What makes the Spier Craft Market different from other markets?
Our products are unique. We are a team – the way we sell is like we’re one big family. If I’m not there, a friend can sell for me. We meet special people at Spier – people who I wouldn’t have met if I was just selling my stuff on the street in Cape Town.
What was your journey to success like?
Our work is really seasonal. In June you’re trying to make ends meet; in December you’re trying to make enough stock, but also sell, which means that in summer sometimes you run out of stock. Today, I’m now working with eight guys and supply to international customers in Australia, Germany, America and England.
How do you make a difference to your community?
It starts with my family: I can now put food on the table. I’ve got two permanent employees and six workers that sometimes help out. I’m also teaching guys in Salt River how to do beading and I send money to family members in Zimbabwe.