Springs Art Gallery was buzzing with young visual artists on Saturday, whose work is now exhibited as part of the ‘Be the Voice’ campaign.

‘Be the Voice’ is more than a phrase, it is a call for young people to take a stand against bullying. The 20 high school learners whose work is on display at the gallery were selected from more than 500 entries submitted during Heritage Month.

Those with the strongest pieces were invited to attend two workshops before progressing to the awards ceremony, where the top three winners were announced, followed by a walkabout of the exhibition.

The merit award went to Hoërskool John Vorster learner, Anjalize Maree who received R500.

In third place was Bafana Mazaleni from Daveyton Skills School who won R1 000, Neo Mofokeng from the same school took second place with R3 000, and the first prize of R5 000 was awarded East Rand School of the Arts learner, Mpho Moloi.

Sammy Maraba, a representative from the Department of Basic Education, encouraged learners to report incidents of bullying.

“There are serious instances of learners committing suicide, therefore it is critical that you are not bystanders but instead report these incidents to your teachers or parents,” he said.

Trauma counsellor Boitumelo Boikhutso also addressed the attendees, speaking about the signs and different forms of bullying.

“Look out for changed behaviour in your children. When they start withdrawing or isolating themselves, find out the problem.

“Ask them questions about their day at school, if they have made friends and find out how they are doing mentally” she advised.

Boikhutso emphasised that bullying takes many forms, whether through body shaming, physical abuse, or even comments that are passed off as jokes.

“Sometimes a comment you make in ten seconds can impact someone for ten years. Instead of breaking each other down, we should be building one another. Kindness goes a long way,” she said.

Nedbank, one of the sponsors, donated art materials towards the initiative and further surprised each participant by depositing an undisclosed amount into their personal accounts.

The finalists were encouraged to take their art seriously by viewing it as a possible future business, especially if they intend to pursue it professionally.

Gauteng Arts for Public Schools founder and MC, Nyeleti Majuba, reminded the finalists of the power of their work.

“Not only are you the voice, but your art is a conversation starter about anti-bullying,” she said.

Majuba added with pride that every participant contributed meaningfully to the campaign.

“The real win is for us because our children are social activists who will grow up and stand up for what is right,” she said.

The event concluded with a walkabout of the artworks and refreshments. The exhibition will run until January 30.

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