Young artist uses skills to honour role models in his community
A 20-year-old up-and-coming coming artist from Ngqeleni is using his drawing skills to honour individuals in his community.
Mfihlakalo Madikizela, known as Mabhuti, is a self-taught artist and has been drawing portraits of people who had a positive effect on his life.
His most recent portrait is of Siphelele King, a local soccer team coach and his neighbour, who mentored him.
Madikizela said the portrait was a way of thanking King for the guidance he gave young boys who miss a father figure and sometimes do not have older brothers to lean on.
The first-year mechanical engineering student at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College said when he took a gap year in 2021, he used his time to hone his drawing skills.
Through the use of Youtube channels and learning from other artists on Facebook pages, Madikizela said his craft was getting better every day.
“I started taking drawing seriously last year. It has been something I was doing when I was still at primary school but I gained more interest last year.
“I was not doing anything and used the free time I had to improve in my art. I was researching art pages on Facebook and took tutorials on Youtube,” he said.
His new artwork took four days to complete.
He said he had been juggling his school work and his art.
He said King deserved the drawing because he had been a supportive older brother to most children in his township.
“He is an inspiration — when we need advice about life, we know who to run to.
“On the sports field he always pushed us to become better people. Sport has been a home to so many and his efforts do not go unnoticed.”
Madikizela said he formed part of the team because of the positive energy King gave them.
“I was not good at sport but I just wanted to be under his wing and under his guidance, that is all that mattered.”
King said when he was given the drawing his heart was filled with emotion.
He said Madikizela had been one of the young people he had been guiding.
“I am a sports fanatic. I realised he was not that much into the sport but he would always be around.
“I got a chance to know him and his passion.”
King said he had not expected the gift but was grateful the youth understood his motives.
“It was in the afternoon, right after work when he sent me the drawing. It really touched me to know in what I am doing, there are children who are noticing.
“When we try to do good in our communities people are convinced we want fame, especially in the township, but it is quite a relief to know your advice and life lessons do not go wasted.
“To me it has always been about empowering them and for them to not go through the things we had to go through at their age.
“I went through certain stages in my life and feel if I had a shoulder to lean on, I would have known better.”
King said knowing there were some boys who appreciated him was fulfilling.
“To know there are people watching and appreciating the efforts is encouraging, it’s an affirmation that we are doing good where we are,” he said.