Two Bonteheuwel children, who won top places in an art competition that promotes peace, both found a form of therapy in art after their mothers died.
Asekho Vagasi, 16, a Grade 10 pupil at Bonteheuwel High School, scooped the first prize in the 14-to-17 age category of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) competition.
The competition was held by the Bonteheuwel Peace Committee, which is part of the IWPG.
Asekho said he was excited about his win, especially as it meant he might get to go to South Korea if he were chosen as one of the overall winners.
“I express myself through art and music, and it has especially helped me after losing my mom. She passed on four years ago.
“I don’t have any formal art training, but I have participated in other arts organisation’s events.
“My work being selected among the best means so much to me. However, even if I did not win, I would not let that discourage me. My philosophy is to take the negativity of other people and use it to motivate myself, and I’d like to encourage my peers to do the same.”
Art has also been a healing tool for 9-year-old Whakeel Andrews, a Rosewood Primary School pupil whose mother died two years ago. Whakeel’s drawing won third prize in the 7-to-9 age group.
His father, Rashaad Lakay said his son “went through a lot” over the past two years, and drawing and painting had been therapeutic.
“For him to be recognised for his artwork is even more special, and the fact that it promotes peace, is just on another level,” Mr Lakay said.
The winners were announced on Saturday at Bonteheuwel High School’s hall.
Fozia Mohamed, from Habibia Primary School, came first and Jordan Max van Vuuren, from Bergsig Primary School, came second in the 7-to-9 age group.
Bergsig Primary School pupils Thanaa Simons, Ro-cail Rutter and Amarah Kemp came first, second and third, respectively, in the 10-to-13 age group.
Ziyaad Mohamed, from Al-Azhar High School, and Shahieda Maggot, from Bonteheuwel High, came second and third, respectively in the 14-to-17 age group.
Fozia and Ziyaad are siblings who both have YouTube channels where they promote their animation skills.
Their father, Isgak Mohamed, said: “My children are both passionate about art and hence I came out to support them. The message of this particular competition is also very heart-warming.”
The first-place winners in each of the three categories will now compete against other children from around the world.
Nancy Roussoeoulos, the IWPG’s southern African branch manager, said the Bonteheuwel competition was the only one held in southern Africa.
“All the first prize winners’ art will now be submitted to our headquarters in South Korea, and from there, overall winners in each category will be chosen. There will also be special recognition awards,” she said.
Soraya Salie, the chairperson of the Bonteheuwel Peace Committee, said 43 children had entered the competition.
“The winners were chosen by four local artists, and I must say they were very constructive in their feedback. We appreciate all who assisted us in making this possible and hope that more children will enter the competition next time,” she said.