Pupils show talents by turning waste into art
THE City extended the “Let’s Act” clean-up campaign in connection with the festive lights switch-on by involving learners in the “Waste to Art” exhibition.
The initiative forms part of the City’s plan to reduce litter in and around Cape Town.
Learners from four primary schools were challenged to show their talents by creating what they were passionate about by using waste materials.
Forty children from grades 6 and 7 at four primary schools in the CBD took part in the project to create the various artworks.
One of the schools, St Paul’s Primary in the Bo-Kaap, created ibozza art.
St Paul’s learner Ambesa Vokwana, 13, said: “We chose ibozza art because we believe we are the bosses of change, the bosses of the world, and that the future is in our hands.
“Going forward, we will try to spread the word so that our communities can stand for ibozza.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis encouraged the children and everyone present to spread the message that almost everything that is thrown away can have another use – for example, it can be recycled or used to make art.
“Thank you, learners for the work you have put into this. Please continue helping us over this festive season and beyond to change our habits so we can have a cleaner city for everyone, particularly those who live in informal settlements and townships,” he said.
Urban waste management mayoral committee member Grant Twigg visited each art display to thank the pupils for their creativity and their teachers for taking the time to monitor them.
“What we realised is that this is not only about keeping Cape Town clean, but also about showcasing what we can do with waste, being creative, and demonstrating that there is value in waste.
“The kids encouraged me to continue with this process. Moving forward, we plan to expand the project by involving more schools, including high schools and communities.
“Looking at possible competition, we want to make it lekker for the kids and our communities to be involved,” he said.