The Lorentzville Love painting project has come a long, beautiful way; turning dull and forgotten homes and walls into bright beacons of joy thanks to the community:
Lorentzville, South Africa (30 November 2023) — Earlier this year, the Lorentzville community decided to start giving their forgotten neighbourhood in Jozi a hands-on makeover thanks to a painting project that’s a testament to community determination.
The idea dubbed ‘Lorentzville Love’ soon became an ambitious symbol that inspired a wealth of respect for the neighbourhood. Spearheaded by an anonymous tenant at Victoria Yards who employed people to help paint houses with fresh coats of bright colours, this was a community-led decision to make the Valley a place both residents and visitors should want to be.
Especially given the Municipality’s afterthought approach to the area, it has been a testament to what can happen when people decide to take uplifting decisions into their own hands.
In a few months since Lorentzville Love hopped onto our radar, walls have turned to wonders with vibrant murals from artists like Dekor One and Viks.
“Victoria Yards is greatly appreciative of the efforts of a dedicated and determined team, led by [local resident] Siyabonga Ndlangamandla, spearheading efforts to brighten up the community around us,” shared community creative hub, Victoria Yards.
The initiative has since inspired people from other parts of Johannesburg, and gotten Valley locals to imagine a world where their corner of the world is a tourist attraction.
As one social media user, @samskeefstore put it before thanking those involved:
“I dream of a future where Lorentzville will be a tourist attraction and bus loads of people will bring business to the residents. Can you imagine guesthouse experiences, the antie on the corner selling amagwinya and coffee vibes.”
Take a Look at What the Painting Project has Achieved!
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You can visit the Yards this Sunday at the final First Sunday Market where a free guided tour is on the cards for you and your pets.
Meanwhile, in other paint jobs that are bringing joy in every shade to onlookers, the Sea Walls Project in Cape Town has recently wrapped up, leaving a legacy of ocean love behind.
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