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Animal skin in Zululand is very useful andnever thrown away. This is vividly evidentwhen you enter Ngubane’s place of work.

Traditionally, Zulu men wear animalskin to cover themselves. The shield andspear are also an integral part of Zulu attire.All this is reflected in the wide variety ofNgubane’s stock displayed on the wall forpeople who are passing by.

Apart from numerous private orders,her products are supplied to local schoolsand hired out to Zulu dance groups andgovernment departments on specialoccasions.

Ngubane believes her business is doingits part in creating jobs. “I like bringing innew blood to the industry. Depending onthe seasons and business demands I try toensure that I temporarily employ severalyouths to assist, while imparting myexpertise.”

Her dream is to pass on her vast

knowledge to younger generations.“Promoting youth interest in these outfitsis my ultimate goal. This includes teachingthem some finer artistic details involvedin manufacturing.”

As MetroBeat prepares to wrap up itsvisit she asks if we could wait a little longer.A few minutes later she emerges dressedin full traditional gear.

To complete her colourful outfit, shedons a red Zulu hat (Isicholo), which sheasserts, “makes an African womancomplete”. It is in the Zulu culture forwomen to cover their heads as a symbol ofrespect to those around her.

And respect is the subject of the finalthought Ngubane leaves us with as wemake our departure: “Until Africans takethe utmost pride in their roots and culture,the dream of a rebirth and renewal of theAfrican continent will remain a fleetingillusion to be pursued, but never attained.”