BUJUMBURA, February 19th (ABP) – “The contempt for the shoemaking profession is one of the manifestations of the lack of valorization of manual trades, because many people have prospered thanks to trades that are often underestimated.”
This was stated on Monday, February 17, 2025 by Gérard Murengerantwari, a shoemaker who lives in Kinama, during an interview with a check by ABP.
Murengerantwari shared that his beginnings in the shoemaking profession were long and difficult. “I did not have the opportunity to go to school because of the 1993 war. I took refuge in Kamenge, in the displaced persons site called “chez Legentil. There, I met Zénon Hicuburundi, a man who helped refugees repair their shoes. He trained me for over a year. I discovered and learned the shoemaking trade. But after a few months, I gave up the trade because of the regular attacks from the neighboring community, who consider shoemaking to be an underestimated profession reserved for the poor,” he explained.
He says his business really started in 2004, after seeing a Maasai selling sandals from Tanzania in Bujumbura. “Customers from various parts of the city were attracted by these sandals. I felt jealous seeing a foreigner succeed in this trade, while I already had enough experience. So I decided to start despite the criticism from others,” he added.
In 2005, Murengerantwari had the opportunity to participate in a fair at the Lake Tanganyika High School, where he received a shoe-making machine. “This machine was a solution to my problems because it significantly improved my production. It supplemented the little equipment I had, which allowed me to increase my sales. Since then, everything has been going well,” he said.
He deplored the fact that some underestimate his profession, which nevertheless allows him to live with dignity. “Thanks to this profession, I was able to start my family, I am the father of six children and I provide for their needs every day. I also bought a plot of land thanks to my income. In addition, I am independent in my work, no one controls me,” he mentioned.
He also indicated that his three boys are undergoing training in this profession, with the intention of creating a family business and opening branches in other districts of the city of Bujumbura. “I am counting on them to develop the business,” he added.
Muragerantwari advised young people and everyone in general that there is no demeaning profession. “As long as you earn an honest living, there is no job to underestimate. Students need to realize that unemployment is on the rise, and learning another trade can be a way out,” he concluded.