Legend of Durbanville’s streets, ‘Oupa Kat’, was honoured with a special painting after he passed on. Not just a pretty picture, the artist behind it donated it in hopes that proceeds will make a difference for others within the homeless community:
Durbanville, South Africa (24 November 2024) — Many in Durbanville were deeply saddened to hear that a legend in their community, Meerka Williams, known fondly as Oupa Kat, had sadly passed away.
“Oupa Kat was a legend on the streets of Durbanville for many decades,” shared NGO MES (Mould Empower Serve) who serve vulnerable people through creating sustainable solutions to pervasive poverty.
Like others, MES had attempted to help the free spirit that was Oupa Kat.
“Oupa loved a life of laughter, games at the taxi rank and the fresh evening air. He will be remembered as a friendly, harmless soul that loved living a carefree life. You will always be a memory that cannot be wiped, you knew who you were, loved Jesus with all your heart and made a home in many hearts,” MES added in a heartfelt message.
One of the many people who had come to know Oupa Kat was artist Alani Nel.
Alani recalled driving passed Oupa many times; helping him on some occasions with a little here and there, wondering about his life on others.
When the news of his passing came her way, she felt a great sadness and a loss that only familiarity’s absence can bring.
Alani decided to paint Oupa Kat in an effort to remember him the way he probably would’ve wanted—in a colours as bright as his personality.
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After its completion, the portrait was gifted to MES’s Durbanville Drop In Centre, but it’s journey has not ended there.
Many people simply adored the work and wanted to get their hands on prints. Alani generously decided that she would make prints available to the public with a portion of the proceeds set to go to MES in an effort to support more members of the community!
“Thank you, Alani, for your kindness and for turning art into action,” the NPO said.
About MES
MES is dedicated to uplifting vulnerable people, from families at risk to school-leaving youth and even preschoolers. Through a holistic approach to social development, they support people in inner cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Kempton Park.
Their Durbanville branch was behind the Safe Space in Durbanville that serves the homeless who are willing to make use of their resources and be guided through societal reintegration.
You can keep up with MES and learn more about them here.
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