Mandela Day mural adds hope to unrest-struck Tongaat

A stunning mural now graces the Shoprite centre in Tongaat, completely burned out during the recent unrest and looting that saw much of the town centre vandalised.

A group of artists and North Coast residents spent their Mandela Day painting the mural with the aim of uplifting the spirit of the Tongaat community.

The mural was the brainchild of Ballito resident Michelle Lowe, who said she was inspired by a mural in Durban North but wanted to involve local residents and children.

“I wanted everyone to feel like they had added some hope to the Tongaat community in a small way. It was also a way of celebrating Mandela Day together united,” said Lowe.

They were joined by residents from Ballito, Tongaat, Durban and Ndwedwe to bring the mural to life.

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The Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum in conjunction with the Interfaith Dialogue Group organised an interfaith prayer service in front of the mural.

“The area was the heart of the destruction that took place during the recent riots and unrest in Tongaat.

“While the interfaith prayer was in progress we completed the mural.

“The entire interfaith prayer event was a symbolic representation of how work must happen while prayer continues. Painting the mural and coming together to create, gave us all hope, positivity and unity in a tough time,” said Lowe.

She said they hope to continue using their talents to paint more murals and are looking for donations of paint.

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