ICYMI: Fourways artist helps raise R50 000 for Operation Smile

A Fourways-based artist who donated a piece of art in support of Operation Smile South Africa has helped raise more than R50 000 for the organisation.

Greatjoy Ndlovu donated his artwork, Kiss Me Fondly, to be auctioned off as reported in Local artist donates his artwork to raise funds for Operation Smile [Week ending 10 July].

The proceeds from the sale of the artwork will go toward providing vulnerable children and adults with free cleft-lip surgery and cleft-palate reconstructive surgery.

The piece was sold to an American bidder for $3 000 (about R50 300).

Upon hearing the final amount raised, Ndlovu said, “I felt a huge sense of fulfilment and a stepped-up motivation to do more and give more in future campaigns. It is so settling to witness so much support for an altruistic cause, even during uncertain times such as our current Covid-19 crisis. The passion for art has posed a global monumental issue to render much focus on the often lightly-esteemed plight of the unnoticed needs of our society.

“I am happy the effort paid off despite the state of things, the final bid was a good sum. My deepest gratitude goes out to Operation Smile for its unrelenting push towards changing the lives of [people with clefts] in our society. The job done was amazing.”

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. “This was our first art auction for the year with Operation Smile South Africa amidst a serious pandemic. I was optimistic, nonetheless. My task was to promote awareness on cleft conditions while appealing to the buyers’ aesthetics at the same time, through the auctioned piece.

“Loads of interest was already there, we just had to retain the momentum. Though we didn’t expect much, we gave it our best shot and bagged a satisfactory outcome.”

Ndlovu added that this wouldn’t be the last time he worked with the organisation.

“I wholly subscribe to the incredible cause of the organisation. I believe in what Operation Smile South Africa stands for and I will always be willing to partner alongside them in realising a better, healthier and happier society.”

He concluded that working with them allowed him to channel positive change. “I get to see the physically-manifested results of my contribution to restored happy faces. I am grateful for such an opportunity and I look forward to seeing more of that.”

Details: Follow Greatjoy Ndlovu’s work on Instagram@ngreatjoy1 or Facebook Greatjoy Ndlovu Art.