Brandon Mthembu (24) is a graphic designer and painter from Gamalakhe who started the ‘Born and Raised in Gamalakhe’ (BaRiG) initiative which celebrates being born and bred in Gamalakhe through art and graphics.

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The painter, who studied graphic design at eThekwini TVET College, said doing paintings of the township made him realise how people from Gamalakhe are embarrassed about their community, which is why he saw the need for an authentic township brand to which people could easily relate.

“Because Gamalakhe is a rural area, most people run away from the township, forgetting there’s so much potential here. I decided to name my artwork, BaRiG so that I could awaken the artist within people. I believe that everyone has an artistic side to them which is how people from the area have been able to relate to my work and are now starting to embrace being originally from the township,” said Brandon.

The artist, who also plays soccer, said a large number of people were embracing the attitude of being born and raised in Gamalakhe by asking him to print his drawings onto T-shirts.

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“I was surprised to see people giving into the idea of BaRiG. Even though doing T-shirts was not the initial plan, it became a game-changer because I was starting to make a few rands. The South Coast is gradually growing in terms of contributing to the art industry. As a young designer, it gives me the opportunity to showcase my work because there’s less competition,” said Brandon.

Brandon also said his family is very supportive of his aspirations in the sense that they invest in his ideas and they are starting to understand the value of arts.

“Although my family is supportive, I still face many challenges. I am not exposed to the right platforms and events that could potentially grow me as an artist because all I want to do is to contribute in the growth of the South Coast art industry,” he said.

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