Three years ago, Ebrahim Dollie was desperate to find employment and immediately grabbed the opportunity when he was recommended by a friend to work as a part-time cleaner in the Cape Town Carnival workshop.
Fast forward to today, the Bonteheuwel resident is now one of the fabricators creating dazzling headpieces and accessories for the thousands of performers partaking in the carnival.
Spectators can look forward to some exciting performances when the parade takes to the Green Point Fan Walk on Saturday 15 March.
This year’s theme is “WowZA!”
Dollie says being part of the carnival team is a dream he never thought about.
“I do headpieces and accessories, and I mentor the interns. I never thought I would end up here. At that time, I just needed a job and took whatever I could find. It’s very nice working here. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
He explains that he never got any form of training and learned by observing what others were doing.
“Everything that I know now I learned while working there. I never went for any training. I used to get training twice a week and that is how I learned.
“They started giving me small projects to see how well I could do it.”
Dollie says the past three years have been an exciting journey.
“When I started with the project it was stressful at first, but as you finish the project you get more and more into it.”
This year will see 10 colourful handcrafted floats, about 2 000 performers, and 50 community groups taking to the street.
“We are currently busy with proteas headpieces. The most rewarding part is seeing the result on event day.”
He encourages young people to take risks.
“My dream was to become a chef, but due to financial constraints, I was not able to achieve that. If an opportunity comes your way, take the chance, you never know what the future holds.”
People’s Post is a proud print media partner of the Cape Town Carnival.
