On Mandela Day, a visual artist Greatjoy Ngabulo Ndlovu Twenty-eight of his art pieces have been auctioned at Rosemary Hill Farm in Pretoria in an event called ‘A Night with Great Joy’. Ndlovu dedicated it to him The twenty-eighth piece is entitled No finalTo former President Nelson Mandela in recognition of his work in empowering children.
The beneficiaries of the funds collected are Kay Mason Foundationa non-profit organization working in the field of education that provides scholarships to disadvantaged learners to pursue their studies, and smile operationIt provides free surgeries for children and young adults with cleft palate.
“I choose to dedicate a portion of my life’s work to impacting children’s lives because I sincerely believe that every child deserves a fair chance at a happy, healthy, and successful life, unimpeded by circumstances beyond their control.
“I feel a personal connection to this cause because I realize that these same children, under different circumstances, can grow up to be noble leaders, intelligent scientists and contributing citizens,” Ndlovu said in a statement prior to the event.
Mbale Khopika, a benefactor of the Kay Mason Foundation, spoke at a Greatjoy night hosted at Rosemary Hill Farm in Pretoria. (Photo: Zukiswa Piccoli)
Mbale Khopika, a 2008 Kay Mason Foundation scholarship recipient and now an alumna, spoke at the auction. She said the scholarship allowed her to “finally become a child” and be able to focus on her studies. She went on to graduate top of her class at Stellenbosch University and is now an investment banker.
“Now I am waiting for the day when I can also become a donor and say I have completed the cycle,” Khopica said.
“The Foundation is helping to change the story of many families in South Africa… Every child deserves a successful life.”
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Greatjoy Ndlovu’s work “Infinity” was auctioned on Greatjoy’s Night at Rosemary Hill Farm in Pretoria. (Photo: Zukiswa Piccoli)
Artwork titled “Manna II” is on display at the A Night of Greatjoy art auction held at Rosemary Hill Farm in Pretoria. (Photo: Zukiswa Piccoli)
Proceeds from the A Night of Greatjoy auction will be donated to Operation Smile South Africa and the Kay Mason Foundation. (Photo: Zukiswa Piccoli)
Ingrid Mvulani of Operation Smile told attendees that Mandela Day showed that “giving isn’t just about giving – it’s about making a difference.”
She said children with cleft palates are often hidden away in communities and even abandoned because of the stigma attached to their condition. They often do not go to school, and when they do, they are ridiculed and ridiculed.
Muflani said many families, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, cannot afford their children to have the life-altering surgery.
“The gift of surgery does not end at surgery. It is a physical and mental gift that allows children to integrate into communities.”
At the auction, Ndlovu said he considers art to be about community and living a life with purpose and fulfillment.
“What inspired me to create ‘A Night of Great Happiness’ was to enhance and enrich the spirit of Madiba, and also to share the idea of generosity between artists and the art community, so I had to create a body of work that was inspiring and enlightening,” said Ndlovu.
He went on to say that the reason he collaborates with non-profit organizations is to “create the soul of Ubuntu”.
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While this was the inaugural event, Ndlovu plans to host it again in New York next year. He hopes to make it a global event that will attract more artists and other charitable organizations.
Eighteen pieces of art that have been put to will It is donated to children’s hospitals – including the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital – around the world. DM
