Fibre craft artist Catwell Kutsi is making a bold statement in Zimbabwe’s fashion scene with his innovative, eco-friendly creations made from sisal fibre — a plant locally known in Shona as makonje. At the EUNIC Zimbabwe’s “Harmonies of Expression” exhibition held this Saturday at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Kutsi displayed a captivating collection of hand-crafted items — including shoes, sunglasses, hats, necklaces, shirts, and bags — all fashioned from the durable and versatile sisal fibre.
By Dickson Bandera
The event, held under the theme, “Connecting Art, Heart and Science” brought together a diverse mix of creatives — including fashion designers, culinary artists, musicians, sculptors, fine artists, and photographers — to celebrate innovation, culture, and sustainability.
Sisal, a hardy and drought-resistant plant, grows naturally in parts of Zimbabwe and is well adapted to arid and semi-arid climates. With long, spiky leaves that yield strong fibres when processed, the plant has traditionally been used for making ropes, sacks, mats, and baskets.
Kutsi’s handmade shoes, which retail between $50 and $500, are not just footwear but a statement of identity, creativity, and environmental consciousness.
His appearance was a performance in itself.”
Dressed in a head-turning ensemble made from his own designs — a vibrant khaki sisal hat and red framed sunglasses, a matching khaki shirt and trousers, hand gloves and carrying a traditional staff ( tsvimbo in Shona) — he embodied the spirit of innovation and African pride.
His ability to weave his art into his personal style drew admiration from the attendants and underscored his status as a trendsetting artist.
“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years,” said Kutsi. “The market appreciates my work, and I’ve built a loyal following. But sometimes, getting payments is a challenge.”
He added that the demands of managing both the creative and business sides of his work are taxing: “What I really need now is a manager. Navigating the business side of art is not easy.”
Among the standout sessions was a panel discussion addressing climate change in Zimbabwe, spotlighting the challenges of water resource management and the impact of unpredictable rainfall patterns.
The event also promoted themes of reuse, recycling, and repurposing, echoing the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which supports sustainable development and climate resilience through green innovation.
Makonje or sisal is a resilient, plant-based fibre extracted from the agave plant. In countries like Tanzania, sisal farming is a thriving industry, with large-scale farms producing fibre for both domestic use and international export.
In Zimbabwe, innovators like Kutsi are reimagining makonje beyond traditional use — turning it into fashion-forward, eco-friendly creations that are catching attention at home and abroad.
Kutsi expressed his gratitude to EUNIC Zimbabwe for organizing such a vibrant and inspiring event, and for their continued support of the arts in Zimbabwe.
“Events like these give artists a platform to be seen, heard, and appreciated. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share my work and connect with other creatives.”
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