Ntuthuko ‘Snakx Art Man’ Ntombela is a gifted artist, making a difference one brushstroke at a time, adding colour and spreading hope at victim-friendly facilities at local police stations.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (10 December 2025) – When school didn’t turn out as initially planned, Ntuthuko ‘Snakx Art Man’ Ntombela found both purpose and joy in drawing.
While his age mates applied to university, Snakx Art Man drew. Moving to Hammarsdale in Mpumalanga, he remained immersed in his art and began honing his craft. It was there that he also started painting. It was not long before his passion was realised by the local community, and Ntuthuko began painting shops, creches, and taverns.
“Then boom! Everyone noticed my artwork. Then I became a local celebrity,” Ntuthuko tells us.
The true impact of his art began when he was approached by Constable Mbali Msomi and Warrant Khoza to paint the victim-friendly centre at the Mpumalanga Police Station, as there wasn’t a budget for it.
“They encouraged me that this would open doors for me. So that’s where it all started. I painted the Mpumalanga Police station very well, and everyone was excited to see my work on the launch day. After seeing my artwork, Major General Kheswa was amazed and asked me to paint all GBVs centres.”
That same year, he painted the victim-friendly centre in KwaMakhutha Police Station.
The following year, he breathed new life into Sydenham Police Station, and just last week, he painted uMsunduzi and Hammarsdale Police Stations.
“On Thursday, I received a Certificate of Appreciation for painting the Hammarsdale Police Station as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.”
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By painting these crucial facilities across multiple police stations, Snakx Art Man makes them inviting and less intimidating for crime victims. His deep passion lies in supporting those who help others, ensuring that victims can report crimes with dignity and less anxiety.
“I love painting these facilities. It plays a part in ensuring that people know there are friendly rooms at our stations that can help victims with dignity,” he says.
Ntuthuko also shared that he is a big advocate for the fight against gender-based violence, stating he is motivated to keep going until we can one day achieve a nation free of it.
His personal motivation is equally strong:
“I feel motivated and hope that one day I will be able to afford to take care of my kids through my art, hoping that my art will fight poverty for my family.”
Sources: Ntuthuko ‘Snakx Art Man’ Ntombela
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