Locals shine at Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards

The event was held at the Coen Scholtz Recreation Centre, in Kempton Park, and was aimed at helping to expose the works of upcoming artists.

Read: A platform for artists

From over 300 works of art submitted this year, it was Mpho Makhubo (35), from Tsakane, who emerged victorious, scooping first prize of R60 000 for his artwork titled ”Road Signs”.

These pieces were done using pastels and acrylic on paper.

Makhubo said he was grateful to the City of Ekurhuleni, as what they had done was commendable, since such competitions are scarce for local artistes.

“I started doing art formally in 2004 and, by far, this has been my biggest achievement and it is an amazing feeling,” he says.

“It took a few seconds to even register that I had won when my name was called out, as all I was hoping for was just a merit award.

Read: Giving upcoming artists a platform to shine

“What I love about art is the freedom to express myself without any limitation, the process of creating my pieces, seeing the final products and my clients reactions.”

He adds that the experience has been great for all the upcoming artists and they are thankful for all the guidance and advice they have received.

With the prize money he has won, Makhubo plans to purchase proper art materials and to continue to improve himself and help young, upcoming artists in his township.

Another local, Sandile Nzuza from Daveyton, took the prestigious Ekurhuleni Prize for his work.

Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Clr Dorah Mlambo, praised the artists for entering this competition and raising the bar so high this year.

She added that the City of Ekurhuleni, wants to see these awards putting the artists on the map, serving as a hub of grooming and appreciation of creativity in fine arts.

“It is pleasing seeing the competition getting recognition from artists from across the country every year,” she says.

“The competition remains at the top of the city’s agenda, with the hope that this platform will open bigger doors for the artists,”.