Two years ago, Ndako Nghipandulwa visited a family at the Okahandja Park informal settlement where he was seeking inspiration for a nail and string art piece.
The resulting artwork, titled ‘Babylon: Life in a Corrugated Maze’, captured the essence of the community’s resilience amid challenging circumstances.
Driven by a desire to give back, Nghipandulwa pledged to donate the proceeds from the sale of the drawing to the family that had inspired him.
Upon delivering essential supplies such as school shoes, food and sanitary pads, he noticed a disheartening inscription on the household door: “poor, slave man”.
This poignant observation sparked an ambitious project to transform the landscape of Okahandja Park through art.
However, initially, Nghipandulwa lacked the necessary resources to bring his vision to life.
With unwavering determination, Nghipandulwa persevered, eventually securing funding from the National Arts Council and generous donations from community members.
Today, he stands proud, having transformed over 10 shacks at Okahandja Park with the assistance of local residents.
The project’s impact extends far beyond aesthetics. It aims to reshape the community’s self-perception and instil a sense of pride in their surroundings.
One of the beneficiaries, Thinyemba Valentinus, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, noting the positive impact on the neighbourhood’s appearance and the therapeutic nature of participating in the painting process.
Valentinus further highlighted the valuable skills imparted by Nghipandulwa, empowering the community to contribute to future beautification projects.
Dinyando Lukas, another beneficiary, echoed Valentinus’ sentiments, emphasising the enhanced aesthetics and improved communication within the neighbourhood watch.
Nghipandulwa’s remarkable journey exemplifies the power of art to transform communities and foster a sense of unity.
His dedication to uplifting Okahandja Park serves as an inspiration to all who strive to make a positive impact on their surroundings.
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