New murals transform City buildings

09 July 2025

The annual project is part of the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department's drive to enliven public space and support emerging artists. Four new murals are adorning the walls of facilities in Delft, Grassy Park, Mfuleni and Valhalla Park.

The murals were conceptualised through co-design workshops or stakeholder engagements organised by the City's Community, Arts and Culture Development Department.

The locations are at a City-owned ECD in Delft, the Chris Hani Hall in Mfuleni, the Grassy Park Library and the Valhalla Park Civic Hall.

'These vibrant artworks have not only revitalised our buildings and put our local talent in the spotlight, but they are also representations of the communities in question, as interpreted by the artists. This is just one of the ways in which we help emerging artists find platforms for self-expression and to showcase their talent. Planning is already under way for the next set of murals to be completed by mid-2026 and we are incredibly excited to see these life-sized works of art pop up in more communities,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The group of community artists was sourced from a broad spectrum of communities within the metropole - with many either living in or having strong ties to the respective mural locations.

They worked under the tutelage of lead artist, Skumbuzo Salman.

‘I'm delighted to have been a part of this experience. It was amazing to watch art, community and creative expression intersecting in this manner. Each of the projects encapsulated that particular community spirit and identity, enhancing the impact and meaning of the murals. These projects reflect more than artistic prowess; they embody the vibrant spirit and diverse voices of our communities. They're a testament to creativity's power in fostering connection and inspiring civic pride,’ said Salman.

Valhalla Park:

A co-design workshop was held on 8 March 2025 at the Valhalla Park Library, attended by 12 community participants. The facilitated workshop used participatory design methods to allow residents to share stories, symbols, and aspirations through collaborative discussions and idea generation. These were distilled into a final mural design that emphasised multiculturalism, inclusivity, and community spirit.

Community artists: Johnson Mosia, John Breda, Jacky Cummings, Roger Cummings

Mfuleni:

On 15 March 2025, a co-design workshop took place at the Chris Hani Hall with 15 participants. Guided by facilitators, the session encouraged storytelling, visual brainstorming, and collective ideation. The mural design reflected themes such as cultural heritage, resilience, pride, and identity, all based on insights and contributions from the local community.
Community artists: Thembinkosi Fatu, Sandi Basi, Saun Kusene, Ayabulela Fati

Grassy Park:

A stakeholder engagement meeting was held on 19 May 2025 with the City’s project and property managers and the appointed service provider. Community-relevant themes such as local flora/fauna, education, and inclusivity were discussed. The lead artist interpreted these into a proposed design for final approval and painting.

Community artists: Ayabonga Mtshongwana, Sharon Roubach, Abdul Wageed, Abdul Muizz

Delft:

On 21 May 2025, a planning session was held with the property owner, City project team, and service provider. The property owner shared thematic ideas, such as children playing, unity, and animals. These were turned into concept sketches by the artist, refined collaboratively, and finalised to align with the ECD centre’s vision.

Community artists: Xavier Davis, Austin Mohamed, Bruce Henniker, Brandon Peters

The Arts and Culture Branch has identified sites for the rollout of murals in the 2025/2026 financial year. These will continue to prioritise co-design, youth involvement, and celebrating local identity.

All four completed murals were facilitated through the City’s temporary public art permit system, which requires consultation with surrounding owners and civic based organisations to ensure vibrant, community-driven artworks that enrich our shared spaces responsibly.

If you would like to paint a mural or perform public art, please apply for a permit via the City’s Digital Vault or contact Public.Art@capetown.gov.za for assistance.

Project photography links:

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office