Since 2005, Wouter de Witt, fondly known as ‘Ghost’, has been the artistic force behind Old Joe’s many personas, turning this peculiar figure into a beloved symbol of community and imagination.

Wouter, a cartoonist from Mbombela, first encountered Old Joe two decades ago. Inspired by the rock’s distinctive shape, which he saw not as a boep but as a nose, he reimagined it as a dynamic canvas reflecting the region’s culture, events and humour.

ALSO READ: Old Joe draped in scrubs to commemorate health workers

Among his countless designs and many layers of paint, one holds a special place in his heart – the Pumas mascot, created in 2005 to celebrate local rugby pride.

He also recalls Old Joe being painted as the late rock legend, Piet Botha, when the BosRock music festival was held at Kwanyoni Lodge in 2018.

ALSO READ: A new jacket for the Lowveld’s Old Joe in the new year

In his most recent jacket, Old Joe dons a smiling ghost, holding a yellow paint with ‘Special thanks to TRAC’ displayed in celebration of this milestone.

Thanks to Wouter’s collaboration with TRAC, the organisation responsible for Old Joe’s upkeep and the custodian of the N4 Toll Route, the rock has remained a vibrant and cherished landmark.

ALSO READ: Old Joe painted as traffic official to pay tribute to law-enforcement authorities

Each transformation involves about a litre of paint and six hours of meticulous effort, with Wouter’s passion and skill bringing every detail to life.

A special deck of cards was also designed to celebrate this milestone. For more information to get your hands on this special edition, contact 082 428 7895 or mail: ghostcartoons.live.com