JOSEPH Manana is the Woza Moya Artist of the Month and he has created a piece for their outside wall at the Hillcrest Aids Centre shop that highlights the heartbeat of the Comrades Marathon.

Manana is a KwaZulu-Natal artist whose paintings celebrate the people, places, and shared experiences that define South African life. Born in Estcourt in 1963, he has been painting professionally since the mid-1980s.

Largely self-taught, he later completed a Diploma in Fine Arts at the Durban Institute of Technology, further refining the distinctive style for which he is known today.

Manana was raised by a single mother after the loss of his father, and he learned early on the importance of sharing, caring for others, and finding strength in unity.

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These values continue to shape his work, where every painting tells a story of hope and humanity. Whether depicting bustling urban scenes, rural life, or moments of celebration, Manana’s paintings are filled with vibrant colour, intricate detail, and expressive figures.

“I use my skills as an artist to spread unity and encourage people to care for one another.”

Spirit Of Comrades

For this month’s Artist Wall, Manana presents Spirit of Comrades. Rather than focusing on a single runner, he captures the heartbeat of the Comrades Marathon itself.

Runners of every background push forward together while spectators line the route, cheering, waving, and offering encouragement. Volunteers hand out water, families gather to celebrate, and strangers become part of each other’s journey. Set against the familiar Durban skyline, the painting reflects the diversity, resilience, and generosity that make the Comrades Marathon far more than a race.

Every figure contributes to the story, reminding us that success is built not only on determination but also on the support of the community along the way, all expressed through rich colour, expressive detail, and his unmistakable storytelling style.

The concept behind the Woza Moya Artists’ Wall and Artists’ Cards is to create and showcase artists’ work. Woza Moya is the economic empowerment project of the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust and assists the artist by marketing their work for the month.

The Woza Moya Artists’ Wall thanked the 100% Foundation for coming on board with an ongoing sponsorship and making this monthly event possible.
Shop opening times:
Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 16:00 Woza Moya Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust, 26 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00 Woza Moya, Kloof Fields Centre
Saturdays 08:00 – 14:00 HACT and 09:00 – 14:00 Kloof Fields shop
Email: wozamoya@hillaids.org.za

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