By AFPMore by this AuthorIn a tiny factory producing handmade boots and shoes in south-western Zimbabwe, leather cutter Misheck Sibanda is on another hectic shift as he tries to keep up with soaring global demand. Edward, an employee of the Courteney boot company, works on a shoe sole on the production line in Zimbabwe's second city Bulawayo on January 25, 2019. Prized by a small band of aficionados, Courteney boots have soles made from natural tree rubber -- imported in blocks from Malaysia -- and uppers made from the hides of Zimbabwe game such as buffalo, kudu, wildebeest and crocodile. But the Courteney factory stayed open, working shorter days so that staff could get home safely. Back on the production line, Sibanda says that he expects Zimbabwe's renewed troubles to test the company to the limit in the years ahead.

Source: Daily Nation February 13, 2019 07:18 UTC