Spread kindness around Sandton

The bold and colourful ‘Be Kind’ sign is bound to catch your attention while passing by Sandton City on Rivonia Road.

The massive art installation is the brainchild of Rabbi David Masinter, who has long been running charitable projects to create a better life for all. The art installation is Masinter’s latest project to encourage positive thoughts for all who pass by the sign.

Masinter, who is the director of Chabad House Johannesburg, said that people are, in general, feeling quite despondent and there is a perception that Johannesburg is a city filled with crime. Masinter believes that it is up to each person to try and change that and create a better city for all.

“I do believe that these short lines indelibly inspire people, so I thought, why not just make up these signs and put them around the city… I think there is a lot more opportunity than people imagine and a lot more kindness.”

The art installation follows a billboard campaign which also included similar positive phrases. At the time, it was not known who was behind the project, which was the intention. Masinter highlighted that it is not about taking ownership of the project but rather just putting positive thoughts out into the world.

The ‘Be Kind’ sign will be the first of many to be placed around the city showcasing positive sentiments including ‘Call you mom’ and ‘Forgive’. Masinter highlighted that the strategy is to slowly start with the Sandton business hub.

Masinter also devised the Acts of Random Kindness arks which encourages people to collect their spare change in the ark charity boxes and donate them to a person or charity in need. The Sandton Chronicle has previously reported how learners from Bryanston High School used their arks to donate money to Puppy and Kitty haven in Promote the value in rescue animals [Week ending 7 September].

Masinter prefers to focus on what he and others can do to create more positivity in the world. He said that rather than passing blame, he wanted to create change himself. His first project included a series of children’s books which focuses on teaching young children valuable life lessons.

“I don’t want to minimise the problems in the city but it’s time to start being kind and leading by example,” concluded Masinter.

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Related Articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/153628/show-your-kindness/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/209392/bryanston-high-grade-9s-inspired-by-kitty-and-puppy-haven/