Local artist donates his artwork to raise funds for Operation Smile

Fourways-based artist, Greatjoy Ndlovu, has donated his artwork, Kiss Me Fondly to be auctioned off to raise funds for Operation Smile South Africa.

The proceeds from the sale of the artwork will go toward providing vulnerable children and adults with free cleft lip surgery and cleft palette reconstructive surgery. The artwork is displayed on the Operation Smile Facebook page, where potential buyers can offer a bid on the artwork.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be working with such an incredible talent,” said Lauren Bright, the country manager for Operation Smile South Africa. “Not only does his work speak volumes but so do his actions as an active and passionate ambassador for Operation Smile South Africa.”

Ndlovu said, “I first came to learn about Operation Smile from a good colleague of mine back at the start of 2018. I admired the selfless work to which the organisation is committed. I was then introduced to the possibility of contributing to this lofty cause through a yearly collaboration in which I’d auction my works to help fund this noble endeavour.”

He added that the foundation had had an incredible impact on those who have undergone surgeries. “I’ve borne first-hand witness to the transformation they bring in each of their campaigns. It may come as a surprise that the greatest gift that the project gives is not an external physical healing, but an internal one. The project stitches up a torn self-esteem, restores lost confidence and reinvigorates the life of each and every patient who benefits from the initiative.”

Ndlovu first worked with the foundation in 2018 when he and seven other artists auctioned off their pieces and were able to raise R500 000. “In the following year, 2019, we worked in partnership with S.O.S Children’s Village,” he said.

“In November of the same year, I was afforded the opportunity to bear first-hand witness to the surgical operations undertaken on cleft lip patients inside the theatre. From my observations, the work is rigorous and requires tonnes of sharp focus. Patients would also pitch up a little nervous, anxious or insecure but would often leave the theatre encouraged and hopeful.”

He added that creating his latest piece to be donated had been a fulfilling experience. “Kiss me Fondly is a stellar 100cm by 90cm artwork that I created which is based on the inherent human need to be loved. The way I see it, love weighs more than any other emotion, it speaks for itself. It is profoundly felt without being announced. Love makes us feel that we matter, that we’re significant and we rightly touch the lives of others.”

The piece can be viewed on the Operation Smile Facebook page. Silent bidding will take place via direct message on the Facebook page or via email to Ronel Visagie on ronel.visagie@operationsmile.org. Bidding will begin at R35 000 and the bidding closes on 13 July.