The beachfront’s Esplanade and Court Crescent have been given a colourful facelift thanks to talented Walter Sisulu University fine arts graduates, led by businessman and visual artist Nkokheli Mzimba.
The artwork, displaying colourful patterns celebrating Xhosa culture and heritage, extends from next to the aquarium to the Court Crescent recreational project, where the stalls have been brightened up ahead of the area's expected November opening.
Mzimba said: “The Buffalo City Municipality Development Agency [BCMDA] advertised a tender last year where they required a public artist with five years’ experience, who had worked in both public and private sectors.
“I applied, as I had acquired the requirements they wanted.”
Mzimba and eight WSU graduates are busy working with the agency, on a six-month contract.
“I wanted to work with people we can trust who will execute the vision we have.
“The graduates are perfect as they are still fresh from university and share the same vision as I do.”
“The work preserves and celebrates isiXhosa heritage and the tribe’s royalty.
“The concept derives from the East London Museum and Amathole Museum in Qonce, where the historical background of the Xhosa tribe is showcased.
“The colours used are from traditional Xhosa attire and jewellery,” Mzimba said.
He hopes their contract will be extended so they can expand their colourful displays across the city.
“We started at Zaza Beach Club restaurant and worked our way to Court Crescent, where we are now busy and at the point of concluding.
“Hopefully, we will be able to extend and start on the other side, where we can paint towards the Wimpy.”
The agency’s project, which falls under the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme, started in September.
BCMDA spokesperson Nomkhitha Zokufa said the project was mainly focused on the beachfront’s Esplanade.
“The WSU students will gain valuable experience that will make them competitive in the fine art employment market, and in terms of self-employment,” Zokufa said.
“They are contracted in a six-month contract with BCMDA.”
“We are planning to do an official opening of the Crescent by the end of November, we're just waiting for a date from the mayor's office”, said Zokufa.
Another group of 10 artists, from the Duncan Village Arts Centre, had been tasked to brighten up parts of Settlers Way and the CBD, she said.
The group painted murals and slogans depicting Buffalo City in all its diversity on the almost 1km bridge over the harbour railway tracks, before the Biko Bridge.
One of the artists, Siyabonga Kemeke, 30, from Ziphunzana, said: “I have always been interested in art.
“I pursued it as an academic career at Walter Sisulu University, where I did a bachelor of fine arts.”
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