Cathula Sandals pioneer dies

THE founder of the first black-owned footwear manufacturing and retailing company in Zimbabwe - Cathula Sandals - Mr Donald Taisekwa Mandirahwe has died.

He was 74.

Mr Mandirahwe, who established a Zimbabwean leather sandals brand which spread to South Africa and Zambia, died in his sleep on Saturday in the United Kingdom where he has been living since 2010.

His son Tinashe described his father, who was popularly known as Cathula, as a hard working and industrious man.

"My father was born in 1942 and his career started in the 1960s with Treger Travel Goods, starting off as a general labourer and rising through the ranks.

His designing talent was soon noticed and he was promoted to the post of travel goods designer where he designed travel bags, golf bags and briefcases," said Tinashe.

He said Mr Mandirahwe then joined Kara Sons as a designer and factory foreman.

"There he successfully set up a sandal-making plant. In 1979, together with my mother, Sellinah, he went on to set up his own footwear manufacturing company - Cathula Sandals. Cathula Sandals grew into a brand in the country selling its leather sandals throughout Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia," said Tinashe.

"He set very high standards and demanded nothing less. A very tough but fair and loving man he was, my teacher, my father."

Mr Vengai Mudyiwa, who worked for Mr Mandirahwe since 1998, said he was an inspirational leader.

"We have lost a great man in the shoe industry. He was not only a businessman to me, he was my father, a mentor and strong man. He always inspired me to learn and do the right thing. His inspiration will last a life time. Today I am personally making a living through his inventions, that is, making strong sandals. May his Soul Rest in eternal peace," said Mr Mudyiwa.

Mr Mandirahwe was buried yesterday at the Rose Hill Natural Burial Ground in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, where he retired to join his children in 2010.

He is survived by his wife and five children.