One of Umdloti’s most recognisable landmarks, SandBar Johnny, received its third makeover on Saturday.
Artists Mandy Brockbank, Audrey Rudnick and Taryn Field combined their creative talents to dress the village’s dashing lollipop man in a vibrant new suit.

Originally a standard gold Johnnie Walker statue, it was gifted to SandBar in 2020 as a symbol of excellence. After serving its purpose in the restaurant’s reception area, owners Leonard and Davina Staples moved it across the road in the hope that someone would take it off their hands.
That never happened.

Instead, motorists began slowing down at the pedestrian crossing, and the discarded statue inadvertently became a road safety ambassador.

Its newfound purpose prompted the owners to give it a makeover, with the first unveiling taking place in 2022, followed by another in 2024 and the latest transformation this weekend.

Each new look has become a highlight on the Umdloti social calendar, drawing interest from residents eager to see what SandBar Johnny will be wearing next.