Permanent display for Mandela tribute
OVERPORT resident Priyanka Naidoo, pictured, is thrilled that her artistic tribute to Nelson Mandela will be on permanent display from today at the KwaMuhle Museum in Durban.
The large canvas depicts the image of Madiba and the South African flag using hundreds of names written by mourners shortly after his death in 2013.
Naidoo, 23, said she and a group of friends wanted to do something to pay tribute to Mandela after hearing of his death.
“We were all upset and thought of ways we could show others what Mandela had given us. And in a day we realised we needed to do what he did for us, which was bring together people from all walks of life.
“So we decided on the canvas and we implemented it on the Durban promenade a week after he died,” she said.
The group, consisting of Divesh Naidoo, Rahul Ramlugan, Pravanya Naidoo, Omashan Moonsamy and Nazmeera Ravoos, stayed with the canvas on the beach the entire day and watched as people gathered to add their names to the tribute.
“It was amazing. We knew it was the perfect tribute to Tata. Police officers, young kids and even the elderly contributed to our cause, which touched us,” she said.
Her project was on show at the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio) gala dinner held at Coastlands Hotel in uMhlanga at the weekend.
Naidoo said South Africans united when Mandela died and she believed that was what was needed for a better South Africa.
“We hear stories of people hating each other and it isn’t a good thing. If we all felt proud, like we did during the 2010 World Cup, or acted the way we did when we received the news of Mandela, then I am sure this country would be better,” she said.
“All we need to do is put in the same effort every day.”