Crafty Shopping on KZN’s South Coast

There are big malls at Shelly Beach, Port Shepstone and Amanzimtoti, but you’ll find special gifts if you pop into smaller outlets and sometimes even get to meet the people who made the items you’re ogling.

First stop travelling south on the N2 is the Shell UltraCity crafters’ village outside Amanzimtoti. You’ll find beautiful woven baskets, bright beads, pottery and Zulu hats just like the ones President Zuma’s wives wear on special occasions.
The Hope Shop in the main road of Umkomaas is chocabloc with quirky gifts, funky clothing, jewellery, dive T-shirts and the creations of local crafters. Tel 039- 973-2424.
Uvongo Flea Market is a community event with 160 stalls every Saturday morning. Buy almost anything, from cheese and pies to toys and crafts. Tel 039-315-7600 or Rotary Club 082-800-9236.
S’Khumba, beside the N2 between Ramsgate and Southbroom, is an experience more than a shop. Walk through a fairy forest and you’ll encounter two hard-working elves who produce hand-crafted leather shoes, bags, belts and hair grips. ‘Don’t squeeze the shoes,’ says the sign and Brian Bernstein is quick to explain why before demanding to see your feet so he can tell you what size you are. You won’t be allowed to wear your beautiful new leather shoes until you’ve treated them with leather ‘food’. Only then can you begin to break them in and look ward to being the owner of a pair like Brian’s 15-year-old boots on proud display in this craftsman’s den. Enjoy coffee and cake in their shady tea garden afterwards. Tel 039-316-8212.
Riverbend Curio and Craft Shop stocks wares from local craft groups, such as brightly decorated enamelware from Lumela Afrika and homeware from Back2life made of recycled newspapers rolled and plaited into attractive mats and bowls. Riverbend Art & Wine offers a range of work from some of South Africa’s finest artists, including Peter Hall and local sculptor Mark Meyer. Tel 039-316-6204.
Toucan Nuts isn’t easy to find, hidden behind an agri-hardware store on the Bushy Vales road, but it’s worth tracking down this factory shop. Macadamia nuts grown in the area come in plain and roasted forms, or coated in yummy chocolate, and are vacuum fried to retain goodness. Tel 039-313-5244.