POLOKWANE – Polokwane mayor, Freddy Greaver presented world famous South African sculptor, Jackson Hlungwani’s family with R50 000 at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex on Friday.
Greaver said after Hlungwani’s death, the municipality wanted to do something for the family and raised the funds for the family. “I think the money will help the family a lot,” said Greaver.
The son of a migrant worker, Hlungwani was born in Nkanyani village near Giyani. He started sculpting full-time after losing a finger in an industrial accident.
Hlungwani was best known for his fish themed sculptures that had enjoyed world acclaim since 1985, with his works housed in many museums across the world such as the Irma Stern Museum in Cape Town, the South Africa National Gallery in Cape Town and in many museums in the US, Japan and Europe.
Mamaila, Hlungwani’s wife said she was happy to have received the money, which would help the family a lot.
“Jackson’s tombstone is built, so I am going to host a small ceremony where friends and family will gather and honour him,” she said.
Hlungwani’s daughter, Jane, thanked the municipality for keeping the family in their thoughts.
“I am happy to see that my father’s legacy will live on in the province. The money will help us in many ways and I believe that my father is happy wherever he is,” said Jane.
