Sand creations bring life to Durban beach front
Half-way down the golden sands to the cascading waves of the Indian Ocean there usually lies a collection of amazingly lifelike sand sculptures in the form of cars, buildings and wild animals.


These works can take up to a week to complete but can be destroyed in a matter of minutes. So why do their creators make them?

Sand sculptures have become a regular attraction on the Durban beach front.

For Siboniso Shezi, a 16-year-old homeless teenager, sculpting often means he doesn't have to go to bed on an empty stomach. "Sometimes people are really impressed by what we do and give us money," he says. "I enjoy what I do because it keeps me out of trouble. I also like getting donations from the tourists who visit Durban." His car sculpture took him and a friend three days to complete.

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The perfectly named Sandile Dube, 17, lives more than 40 kilometres outside Durban and has already been making sand sculptures for four years.
"I use some of the money I make to travel between home and the beach. Some days I make up to 100 rand ($13; £9) a day, it makes me feel proud to earn a living on my own."
"I love making sand sculptures, most of them include wild animals because they fascinate me.
His latest masterpiece is a woman whose head is stuck inside a leopard's mouth.

He has been working along the beach front for the past 10 years.
Mr Dlamini is from Umlazi township, approximately 20 kilometres outside Durban and commutes to town daily - just to get his hands on the sand.

"I enjoy recreating homes or buildings I've seen. I think what we do goes a long way in further beautifying the beach," he says.
And while it could be frustrating to see all your efforts flattened by the high tide each day, at least it means he starts each day with a blank canvas.