Mogammad Henry, 20, from Manenberg, wants to inspire youth by painting educational murals in city parks.
He developed a passion for painting when he attended Surrey Primary School, and a volunteer there taught the pupils how to paint, he says.
He started a mural at Greenhaven Park in March last year and it took him six months to complete. In October, residents approached him to paint murals to relay important messages about bullying, littering, and other social ills.
“I feel that art is something that can inspire others to also have fun while spreading a positive message. My main aim is to teach others that children from impoverished areas also have talent,” said Mogammad.
Nabeel Noordien, the deputy chairman of the Greenhaven Friends of the Park, said the park had been in a sad state a few years ago, and with no fencing or trees and a dilapidated play area, it was becoming a dumping ground and a haven for anti-social behaviour.
“I took it upon myself and realised that area is such a beautiful space where children can play , elderly can have morning walks, kids can exercise and stay fit. We physically assisted the City in planting trees, watering these trees on weekly basis and started many smaller planting projects. It was tough since we as residents were not equipped to maintain such a big park, but everyone pulled together, neighbours got involved, which was the objective – to involve everyone.
“The youth must be involved so they can be a part of the development of the park for our community. A succession process must be in place, so when the day comes when the older generation are no longer able to assist in developing the park, the youth must take over to continue taking the park to the next level so many generations can enjoy and look after the park so kids can play.“
Dayyaan Martin, 19, from Manenberg, who helped with the mural project at the park, said many youth on the Cape Flats had a lot of talent but were not encouraged to let it shine.
“Adults have a way of hampering their children’s talent and because of generations before who also told them that. Society must change so that more Cape Flats children can show what talent they have,” he said.
