His inspirational art classes at Shobiyana High School are hugely popular, increasing school enrolment rates and improving student attendance. Under his guidance and care, his lessons have gone a long way to reducing the dropout rate at his school, encouraging learners to return week after week to finesse their creative skills. “Young people need something that will inspire them and give them hope,” explains Walter.

Born in a village near Acornhoek, Walter (48) has been teaching art at Shobiyana since 2012. He is a graduate of the FUBA School of Dramatic and Visual Arts. “When I first started drawing, I only had charcoal and scrap paper. It was a long time before I could afford paint. Now I want to encourage young people to express themselves and tell their stories through art”. Realising the potential of art as a powerful vehicle for change, Sibuyi helped found the Winds of Change community project.

This is an after-school club where students can combine homework with art. “I want to provide a safe space for children, so they are not led into temptation on the streets.” A number of his former students have proved talented artists and have gone on to earn a living through painting and selling their artwork. Walter is however perhaps best known for his spectacular sculptures, including huge wire figures filled with rocks. These are installed at Shobiyana High School and in and around Acornhoek. “Elephants are my favourite animals, because like humans they have a memory, and have so many stories to tell.”

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Walter’s reputation has spread far and wide, and he now has a unique opportunity to collaborate with art teachers from around the world. “Visitors heard about my work and came to Acornhoek to see my sculptures, posting their pictures on social media. Through this, the Global Art Teachers Exchange programme (GATE) saw my work, and I have been invited to their international conference in Budapest in September. I’ve had to submit a proposal and lesson plans which have been accepted. It is my dream to be able to go to Budapest and work with art teachers from Europe and America.

“I want to share my expertise and learn from them and bring new techniques back to Acornhoek. I have to raise R45,000 (£2,000) for my travel costs and accommodation, which is sadly beyond my means. I’m hoping someone will read this article and can help me achieve my dream. I believe we can change the world through art, without art, there is no life.” Harriet Nimmo who opened the back-a-buddy fundraiser on Walter’s behalf said that she is delighted to see the funding coming in. “I met Walter through Wild Shots Outreach, which has worked with Shobiyana High School since 2016.

“I am overwhelmed with the support, and I am positive that we will reach the target,” she said. Go to www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/walter-sibuyi.