Vodacom Soweto Towers Competition Winners Announced

Vodacom has today unveiled the names of the four winners of the Vodacom Soweto Towers Competition launched in March this year. The winning artists, who all walk away with a R10 000 cash prize are:

• Brenda Ramadiehe, a fine artist from Eldorado Park,
• Nkululeko Mahlangu, a visual artist and facilitator from Soweto
• Mduduzi Twala, an illustrator from Mofolo North, South of Johannesburg,
• Peter Silwimbu, a self-proclaimed “art geek” based in Pretoria

In addition to the overall winners, the judges recognised another three artists that produced inspiring work as their pieces had distinctive elements that told the story of how the mobile network has empowered communities. These pieces also captured a slice of Soweto and South Africa’s vibrant culture that ties in with the 65 year history of the towers. According to the judges, these were “hard to ignore” and each were rewarded with a R5000 cash prize and a Vodacom Tablet.

“Over the past two decades we have made numerous investments on the network, CSI and various commercial initiatives in and around Soweto as part of our commitment to economic and social development. The Soweto Towers Competition is just another innovative and creative avenue to connect art, the iconic towers and our leading brand in a way that reinforces our long standing partnership with the community”, says Vodacom Executive Head, Brand and Communications, Nadia Mohamed.

Earlier this year budding artists from Soweto and its surrounding areas were invited to enter the Vodacom Soweto Towers Competition for an opportunity to co-create artwork that will be displayed on South Africa’s biggest canvas - the iconic Orlando Towers. As part of the winning prize, the artists would then be mentored by world renowned artist Helen Sibidi, illustrator Karabo Poppy Moletsane and fine artist Bambo Sibiya. The competition was run in partnership with Business Arts South Africa and the Department of Arts and Culture.

Bambo Sibiya, one of the three programme mentors, says that “the competition will go a long way in kick starting a number of careers both here at home and abroad”.

The brightly painted murals of the Orlando Towers are a distinctive and eye-catching feature of Soweto, showcasing the township’s vibrant culture. Its unique position, its rich history and heritage has turned the towers into a prime spot for brands, a vibrant location for small businesses and a must visit tourist destination abuzz with activities that have been enjoyed by both local and international guests.

The artists and mentors have begun the creative process and are finessing the final art piece that will grace the Towers in November.

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