Born in Limpopo before moving to Alexandra, Sello Ronald Letswalo creates art that bridges two worlds.
“Growing up in Limpopo gave me my first understanding of culture, family, and community. It was where I learned about traditional practices, storytelling, and the relationship between people and the land,” he said. “Moving to Alexandra later exposed me to a completely different reality. The township is fast-paced, resilient, creative, and constantly changing. Living between these two worlds has shaped how I see South Africa.

“My work exists in that space between memory and lived experience. My practice explores identity, migration, resilience, belonging, and the ways communities preserve culture despite difficult circumstances.”

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He sources materials from scrapyards. “The materials usually find me before I decide what they will become. Every scratch, dent, rust mark, or layer of paint tells part of a previous life. Using reclaimed materials is important because they reflect the communities I come from. In townships, people constantly repair, recycle, and reinvent objects out of necessity. I see that resourcefulness as a form of creativity and resilience.”

Letswalo embraces the metal’s imperfections. “I never try to hide the imperfections of the metal because they are already telling a story. Rust, dents, scratches, and faded paint become part of the composition. The steel becomes more than a surface to paint on. It becomes a witness.”

His Mafelo series captures childhood play and community spaces. “Mafelo, meaning ‘places’ or ‘spaces,’ grew out of my desire to preserve memories that are slowly disappearing.” Mentorship with Emma Willemse encouraged deeper observation.

Other series, such as Sandra Portraits, Kgomo and works inspired by African creation stories, connect personal memory to cultural identity. “Each series begins with something personal but grows into a wider conversation.”

Educated at Alexandra High School and Tshwane University of Technology, he values perseverance. “Drawing has always been part of my life… Those experiences taught me discipline, patience, and perseverance.”

Key milestones include residencies at Spier Arts Trust and Bag Factory, Sasol New Signatures, and Art.co.za recognition. “Every opportunity has built on the previous one.

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“Community is at the centre of everything I do.” He plans larger public sculptures and immersive works combining steel, ceramics, light and sound.

To emerging artists, his advice is clear: “Don’t wait for perfect conditions before making work. Use the materials available to you… Most importantly, tell stories that only you can tell. Your background is not a limitation; it is your greatest resource.”

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