Meet: Hlengiwe Khumalo [Thokoza resident]

Hlengiwe Khumalo is a 32-year-old art lover born in Thokoza.

Khumalo is the founder of Paradise Gallery Market NPO, a platform providing a safe space for artists to market their products within the community.

She has a great interest and dedication to helping destitute artists from various artistic backgrounds with exposure and opportunities to present, perform, network and sell their art.

Inspired by the increasing challenges facing artists since the Covid-19 pandemic, Khumalo hopes that this platform will keep artists motivated and away from drug and substance abuse.

Q: What do you love about your township, what sets it apart from other townships?
I love the creativity that we have as a township, the hidden art in unknown places yet to be discovered.
What sets us apart is that our township has Paradise Gallery Market (PMG).

This is a gallery for artists who want to showcase their work without paying for space and commissions, a platform for performing artists who would like to showcase their work and a seasonal gallery market that brings different artists from different spheres of Ekurhuleni to showcase.

Q: What is your favourite family location in your township?
We do not have a favourite family location but PGM is about to become one.

Q: What is your favourite eating spot?
Meatness. It offers great food and friendly services to customers. The place is clean.

Q: What changes would you like to see in your township?
I would like for the community to be more open to the art and creativity that is offered by the youth. I would also like to see government support the programs that the youngsters initiate, as we know that many artists are still recovering from the effects of Covid-19 in the township.