Cobbler | Architect

RAJESH G. JAGA

COBBLER ROCKSOLE SHOE & BAG REPAIRS

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?

It is a family business that has been passed down from generation to generation. In this way we can continue to grow our legacy of a successful business in repairs, alterations and adjustment of all leather goods.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO, AND WHERE?

I did on-the-job training as an apprentice in our Rocksole workshop. I was taught by my grandfather, Kay Jaga, and by my dad, GK Jaga.

TAPPING INTO THE SOLE

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY WORKING AS A COBBLER

A typical day would involve tending to walk-in customers needing special fi ttings; prep work for all the departments on the workshop fl oor; overseeing quality control of products and services; and, of course, admin.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO?

I really enjoy engaging with and serving our customers, and seeing them walk away happy with our work (or wearing it). I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to learn unique trade skills and work with high quality machinery. Also, we have a strong sense of teamwork here at Rocksole, a real feeling

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?

Nothing!

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

It takes time to train people to produce the level of skill in their work that refl ects the quality we aim for. It also takes time to build a connection between the diff erent people within the team, so that the process runs more smoothly and effi ciently. Stock control has been another hurdle we’ve had to get over.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?

Winning the runner-up position at the Small Business Awards, hosted by Primedia and Cape Talk Radio.

ANY FUTURE GOALS?

We would like to develop an online website service off ering the collection, repair and delivery of customer items.

EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING?

Yes, defi nitely, experience adds huge value to the initial training that you do and allows you to learn how to work faster and more eff ectively.

IS THERE A PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?

On the workshop fl oor, skills and teamwork are very important. When it comes to front of shop, it’s knowing how to engage with the customers that takes priority.

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT?

Find a reputable training programme or apprenticeship. Learn how to communicate and work as part of a team. Manage your expectations around customer requirements. And be consistent in the quality of the work you produce.

TONY KILEY

ARCHITECT SELF-EMPLOYED

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ARCHITECTURE?

I went to a friend’s party as an impressionable 17-year-old, and got chatting to an older bloke who was in second-year at the UCT School of Architecture. He wanted to know what I planned to study. I explained in some detail what interested me and that I thought I wanted to be a civil engineer. Having listened quite carefully to me, he said, ‘You don’t want to be an

ILLUSTRATING SANCTUARIES

engineer, you want to be an architect.’ I didn’t question his advice any further; I began my studies for the BArch degree a few years later.

WHAT TRAINING DID DO?

I studied for seven years at UCT, which included working in Cape Town for six months in the fourth year of my studies, and then travelling to the UK and Europe for a further six-month stint.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORK DAY

My time is split between admin, drawing and visiting buildings. Admin involves dealing with Local Authorities, recording minutes of meetings, writing specifi cations, and general items like sending fee accounts (the best part). Drawing involves sitting down at my drawing board to sketch plans and elevations, which in my case, being ‘old school’, is all done by hand. Everything needs to be explained to the builder: stairs, of everyone being part of one big family, and that creates more meaningful around it all.

windows, lighting, etc. must be illustrated. I visit the sites once a week.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY?

I enjoy conceptualising, designing and visiting sites. A bit of good detailing is also fun.

ANYTHING YOU DON’T LIKE?

Fighting with Local Authorities and clients who have fi xed ideas I know are really bad and won’t result in a good building.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

Maintaining stamina and enthusiasm to see out years on one project. One needs to stay focused to achieve a good result.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT?

Going on my own in 2000. Saying au revoir to the corporate world.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

build a public building, rather than mostly doing residential houses.

EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING?

Experience is way more important. I learned most of what I know after my degree – especially about craft and construction itself.

IS THERE A PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?

An ability to conceptualise, to draw (by hand) and a good dose of the psychologist in you to both win arguments and solve human relations issues. Charm also goes a long way.

ANY ADVICE?

Know that you will be in it for the long haul and defi nitely visit building sites and architectural studios for a good few days to get a feel for the trade.