Rondebosch mural honours Mandela, says artist
Former state president Nelson Mandela’s memory is celebrated in a new mural in Rondebosch.
The work by KwaZulu-Natal artist Christine Andrews, depicting Mr Mandela’s face and colourful Ndebele patterns, is on the boundary wall of a home on the corner of Newlands Avenue and Alcis Road.
The property is owned by the parents of businesswoman Jorin Jin, who, along with her business partner, John McDermott, sponsored the mural with the permission of Ms Jin’s parents.
“It really helps in beautifying the area, and many walkers who go down Newlands Avenue can appreciate it, and the artwork is honouring the history of Madiba,” said Ms Andrews.
She said the Ndebele patterns in the mural were inspired by the work of artist Esther Mahlangu.
Mr McDermott, a Newlands resident for 13 years, said he and Ms Jin were aware of Ms Andrews’s work and had wanted to beautify the wall of Ms Jin’s parents’ home.
It was believed, he added, that Mr Mandela, while staying at the official presidential residence of Genadendal, had gone for walks in Newlands Avenue.
