The Malalane-based Zolani Makibi finished second overall at the sixth edition of BIC’s flagship art competition, Art Master Africa.

Makibi was one of about 6 000 entrants in the competition from right across Africa and the Middle East. He won a cash prize of $1 500 (about R26 000) for his piece titled ‘Raised by the Community’.

This instalment of the Art Master Africa competition was launched earlier this year and called on creatives to portray their interpretation of ‘Ubuntu (One Africa)’, which emphasises interdependence and the power of collective harmony, using only a BIC ballpoint pen.

Marc d’Oliveira, BIC South Africa’s general manager, said: “We are proud to have run Art Master Africa for the sixth year in a row. The competition has come a long way, starting in South Africa in 2017 and expanding into the wider region.

“We continue to be in awe every year after seeing the submissions we receive, and we are confident we will continue to help more talent surface through this flagship competition.”

Makibi said: “I am delighted to receive this recognition for ‘Raised by the Community’, especially on a theme as meaningful to me as ubuntu. I am grateful to the many helping hands in the village who raised me after I lost my mum at a young age, and to BIC for creating such an inspiring platform for African artists. I encourage other artists to enter this competition and share their creativity with the world.”

A competition judge, Gayi Eric, said: “The artworks we received are a testament to the incredible talent and creativity on the African continent. Each piece reflects the artist’s individual talent while connecting to the broader message of unity and harmony across African communities.”

BIC’s Art Master Africa is a biannual art competition that calls on artists to express themselves through the ballpoint pen. Every edition reflects the unique cultures that span the African continent.