Some of Kimberley’s most important stories were beginning to fade. One local artist and a growing team of collaborators are bringing them back to life.
Kimberley, South Africa (27 October 2026) – The Community Art Centre Revival Project has recently taken root in Kimberley, with local artist Nonjabulo Progress Malapane spearheading an initiative to restore deteriorating community art spaces while celebrating the city’s rich history and heritage.
Inspiration for the project struck three years ago, when Nonjabulo noticed that several murals depicting Kimberley’s historical figures had fallen into disrepair and were no longer receiving the care they deserved. Understanding the importance of preserving local history, she felt compelled to do something about it.
With funding from the National Arts Council and in collaboration with local community artists, Nonjabulo launched the initiative to revitalise public spaces across Kimberley by restoring those murals and paying homage to the historical figures who have shaped black history.
“This initiative goes beyond restoring walls. Its about breathing new life into creative spaces, creating opportunities for local artists, sharing skills and re-imagining what community art can be.” Malapane writes.
The project kicked off at the Mayibuye Precinct earlier this month, where Nonjabulo and fellow artists restored murals celebrating Kimberley’s historical figures, including Elizabeth Lilith and Sol T. Plaatje, Mary Letele, Dr Arthur Elias Letele and Kgosi Galeshewe.
The second phase of the project moved to Platfontein, where a new mural honours Ouma Katrina Esau, the San language activist and cultural custodian who has dedicated her life to preserving the indigenous N|uu language and the heritage of her people.
“Following our mural project at the Mayibuye Precinct, where we brought the faces of Kimberley’s historical figures to life, we continue our journey of using public art to celebrate the people who have shaped our history and whose contributions deserve to be remembered,” writes Malapane.
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“With this mural we want to honour a living legacy, preserve indigenous heritage and culture and ensure that future generations know the people behind the stories that make up our history as Southern Africans. Our history deserves to be seen, our heritage deserves to be celebrated and our stories deserve to live on.” adds Malapane.
Nonjabulo says it is a privilege to turn walls into storytellers, creating spaces where history can be seen, remembered and passed on to future generations.
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