The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
IT’S widely known that shoe shopping is a popular activity among women, but it may surprise some to know that some men too have a fondness for shoes.
Looking back about 30 years ago Stuart Simali recalls how he started manufacturing different kinds of shoes, with his collection reaching more than 100 in those years.
“I love shoes, I own hundreds of shoes; I don’t know the actual number, I have lost count. Some are actually in my drawers at the office of my workshop, some in the car, most of them at home and some I don’t even know where they are,” he said pulling out a shoe he made out of hippo skin about 30 years ago.
Rewinding back to three decades ago, Simali reminisced of how he was so passionate about manufacturing and collecting shoes.
“We started off operating from a balcony of my flat in 2001, with each order I would get I would also add to my own collection. In 2002 we managed to get the company incorporated and at that time it subcontracted big companies to make its orders. In 2004 we managed to establish into a fully equipped shoe manufacturing factory at the Belmont industrial area here in Bulawayo, with a staff compliment of eight people. It has since its humble beginnings grown to be counted among some of the leading shoe manufacturing companies in the country,” said Simali.
Today his fondness for collecting shoes, which timely led him to establish a footwear manufacturing company, has grown beyond measure.
“We now have 20 skilled leather workers and we aim to increase market share penetration. Presently we supply shoes to chain stores, footwear retail shops, Government institutions, mines and schools across the country,” he said.
“Most of the shoes I have collected, I have either changed the soles but the rest of the shoe remains intact. Also as an advantage to me since I am a shoe manufacturer I am able to do a couple of touch ups on my shoes,” said Simali.
The company, Millennium Footwear, a fast rising shoe manufacturing company that has managed to buttress its roots in the City of Kings has even managed to attract regional interest. His company boasts of manufacturing quality elegant shoes, particularly for men and uses different types of animal hides.
“We manufacture all sorts of shoes here. We move with times and that is why we are able to attract the attention of international clients every once in a while. We manufacture exotic shoes and boots made with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, crocodile and ostrich skins to name but a few. We manufacture safari boots, men’s classic shoes, security shoes, safety shoes, messenger shoes, president shoes, moccasins, school shoes, men’s sandals, farmer shoes and military shoes not to mention fashionable sneakers and fashion boots,” said Simali.
He said his vision was to become the largest and most competitive shoe manufacturing company.
Simali said it was within his mission to also empower staff with skills and to also create employment.
@peterkmatika
