An aspiring artist has transformed the walls of his local SPAR into a colourful seascape. Thanks to a business owner, all eyes are on Siphenathi’s paintbrush!
Eastern Cape, South Africa (02 December 2025) – Siphenathi Dike grew up in Alexandria, a community based outside of Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape. He was a baby when his parents passed away, and he was raised in a children’s home.
He became the resident creative spark there.
“Growing up, I was always seen as the creative one. Before I even started with school I was marking art. It started with colouring, then I moved on to mediums like pastel and eventually found my life through painting.” he shares.
After fifteen years as an orphan, Siphenathi found his family. He also gained further support when he was helped by a local empowerment programme that encouraged his artistic abilities while he was schooling.
His artwork flourished as he found his place and uncovered his talent.
“It took me years of staying dedicated to being creative and just practicing to become better.”
But he has also learned the challenges of making a living as an artist, especially in a smaller community where art has fewer avenues to flourish.
That’s why opportunities like the one he received from his local SPAR make all the difference. When you’ve got an open wall, supporting an aspiring artist is a wonderful thing to do. Every commission is a chance to further their career and self-belief.
“I’m all about creating and leaving a mark in my hometown…I am very aware of the challenges, especially in the art industry, but I’m standing on business and creating through putting my soul and heart into what I do.” shares Siphenathi.
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