Languages: 
WSU Fine Arts graduate Thandabantu Matola has outshined more than a thousand emerging artists, earning his spot among South Africa’s elite by securing the runner-up position in the prestigious 2024 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition.
The 28-year-old Libode native, who is currently studying his advanced diploma in Fine art, was selected from a pool of over 1,013 emerging artists.
His winning piece, titled Ukuncekelela (To Hold On/Endure), reflects the resilience of Black South African communities, particularly in impoverished rural villages, where domestic items are often used far beyond their intended lifespan. Inspired by a worn dishcloth at his home, Matola began collecting dishcloths from his village, exchanging them for new ones—a poignant gesture that embodies the endurance and resourcefulness of his community.
Reflecting on his triumph, Matola remarked, “I was so excited; I did not even know how to express my thoughts and feelings, I felt my spirit lifting. Being selected reaffirmed me, it made me feel seen, it made me realise that all my hard work and effort is paying off and most importantly, that I am on the right path and doing great work as an artist.”
Matola’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey, which has been fueled by a deep passion for art since childhood.
Growing up in Zandukwana Village, Libode, Matola would make observations in the spaces in which he and his friends lived, making out the intricacies of simple objects and their meanings.
It is through these observations that Ukuncekelela was born as a powerful artwork that highlights the societal inequalities that afflict the Eastern Cape’s rural population.
“The observations are made unconsciously in situations where one is, after being served food, offered a dishcloth to wipe hands. Even at home, I noticed that the dishcloth is one of the items that people hold on to for so long, to the extent of getting too loose. My work symbolises the extent to which poverty can be seen in items such as dishcloths. And to me personally, it talks to perseverance and persistence.”
Matola said that his winnings from the competition would be lifechanging as it would help him cover his tuition and secure resources to set up his own studio.
Sasol New Signatures Chairperson, Pfunzo Sidogi said exceptional works had been selected to proceed to the final round of judging, which took place at the Pretoria Art Museum this recently.
““The final tier of artworks encountered were those that immediately stood out due to their novelty, technical brilliance, and conceptual depth. These artworks evoked a shared “wow” response from all three judges. These artworks can easily hold their own at any major local or international art exhibition or fair,” said Sidogi.
By Yanga Ziwele
