In the heart of Galeshewe, the Mayibuye Precinct stands as a fading monument to Kimberley’s past. Once a site of political significance, it now faces decay: its walls crumbling, security virtually nonexistent, and crime haunting its nighttime corridors. But amidst the neglect, local mural artist Kabelo Moses and his fellow artists are reclaiming the space with vibrant colours and powerful imagery, hoping
to restore its dignity and relevance through art.
Reviving Kimberley’s History at Mayibuye Precinct
Poor maintenance Mayibuye Precinct
The Mayibuye Precinct is more than just a location; it is a symbol of the struggles and victories of the past. Historically, it has been a gathering point for political activism and community engagement, embodying the resilience of the people of Galeshewe.
However, years of poor maintenance and a lack of security have left it in a state of disrepair. Walking through the precinct today, one encounters broken infrastructure and an air of abandonment. Residents avoid it at night, fearing for their safety as crime levels have surged in the area. Yet, for Kabelo Moses, this space remains important. He believes that its history should not be forgotten, and neither should its potential as a cultural and artistic hub.
Kimberley’s History Through Murals
Moses and other mural artists began painting in the Myibuye Precinct as a way to reclaim the space. “We wanted to change how the place looked,” he explains. “There is so much history here, but if you look at it now, you wouldn’t think it was once a place of significance.”
Telling stories of Kimberley, Northern Cape
Armed with paintbrushes, spray cans, and a vision, these artists have transformed the ageing walls into canvases of storytelling. Their murals depict scenes of the struggle against apartheid, the vibrancy of township life, and the cultural heritage of the Northern Cape. Each stroke serves as a reminder of where
the community has been and where it can go.
Not getting support for Kimberley history
Despite their passion and dedication, Moses and his peers face an uphill battle. “There’s no support for what we’re doing,” he admits. “We don’t have funding, and we work with what we have. But we won’t stop.” Organisations like the Galeshewe Youth Network have provided some backing, but long-term
sustainability remains a challenge.
Soon we will be forgetting where we come from
For Moses, murals are more than just art; they are a medium for education and preservation. He dreams of mentoring young children who are interested in storytelling through painting, ensuring that their history and culture are not lost with time. “With changing times, monuments like Mayibuye Precinct are the only things left connecting us to our past,” he says. “If we don’t take care of them, we
risk forgetting where we come from.”
His vision extends beyond individual expression—he sees murals as a way to revitalise Galeshewe’s creative economy, attract tourism, and ultimately encourage the municipality to invest in the area’s upkeep. “If this place was properly maintained, if there was security, people wouldn’t be afraid to come
here,” he argues. “It could be a space where artists, musicians, and historians come together.”
The murals at the Mayibuye Precinct stand as both a cry for attention and a testament to resilience
While the local government has yet to formally acknowledge or support their efforts, Moses remains hopeful that change will come. “We’re doing this because we love our history and our people. We just hope that someone sees what we’re trying to do and takes it seriously.” As more young artists join in and as organisations like the Galeshewe Youth Network continue to advocate for the preservation of historic spaces, there is a glimmer of hope that the precinct’s future will not be as bleak as its present. For
now, Moses and his fellow muralists will keep painting, telling stories of the past, and shaping the future—one wall at a time
The Mayibuye Uprisings precinct buzzes with a lot of history from visiting Robert Sobukwe’s Office , heritage and excitement. When last did you visist the the Mayibuye memorial and pay your respects and admire the mural paintings ?
This article from from the March 2025 issue from Diamond magazine read check out the magazine click here!
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