Mark Kapyadorvinx, the co-founder of Art Vision Academy, and Sorisha Naidoo, a trustee of the Sibaya Community Trust, at the ribbon cutting.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media
The Sibaya Community Trust handed over upgraded infrastructure to support the work the Art Vision Academy, in Shallcross, which was founded by individuals who once experienced hardship and homelessness, and rebuilt their lives from the ground up.
At the event on Friday, Sorisha Naidoo, a trustee of the Sibaya Community Trust, said the donation was far bigger than bricks and mortar.
"Today is about humanity. It is about resilience and about the people who once stood in the shadows of society, who faced homelessness, rejection, hardship, and the harsh realities of life on the streets for more than a decade yet still chose not to surrender to despair. Instead, they chose purpose, creativity and they chose to rise.
"It is from that pain, from those difficult years, that the Art Vision Academy was born, under the leadership of Mack Dollvins, a beacon of hope created not for themselves alone, but for countless young people searching for identity, belonging, healing, and direction. That is nothing short of miraculous, she added.
She said the Sibaya Community Trust believe true social upliftment was not charity, it was partnership.
"It is walking alongside communities and investing in people who are already changing the world around them. Over the years, the Sibaya Community Trust has committed more than R280 million towards social upliftment initiatives across communities, touching countless lives through education, youth empowerment, healthcare support, poverty alleviation, community development, humanitarian relief, and programmes aimed at restoring dignity to vulnerable families.
"We have proudly supported initiatives that uplift women, empower youth, assist the elderly, support persons living with disabilities, and create sustainable opportunities for communities to thrive. But today’s handover holds a very special place in our hearts because the Art Vision Academy represents the triumph of the human spirit."
Naidoo said the upgraded facility was not simply a structure but a declaration that youth mattered.
"Their dreams, talent and future matters. Within these walls, creativity will flourish. Young people will discover their gifts. Confidence will be rebuilt. Voices will be heard. And lives will continue to transform. To the leadership and members of Art Vision Academy, especially Mack, thank you for reminding society that greatness can emerge from the most difficult circumstances.
"Thank you for refusing to allow your past to define your future, and thank you for becoming a light for so many young people who desperately need one. You are proof that even after the darkest night, the sun still rises."
She thanked the DSK Group for sponsoring office furniture and their partners and stakeholders who contributed towards making the event possible.
"Thank you for believing in the power of community transformation. And to the young people who will walk through these doors in the years ahead, dream boldly. Create fearlessly. Never allow your circumstances to convince you that your future is limited. Your story is still being written. May this facility become a sanctuary of hope, creativity, healing, excellence, and opportunity for generations to come."
The Art Vision Academy provides a holistic support system that includes counselling and emotional support and skills Development. Their aim is to empower vulnerable young people through creative expression.
Bongakonke Khuzwayo, from left, Shereine Reddy and Brandon Pillay.
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Jane Pillay, from left, Namurtebi Kasule and Azisa Bahati Kalya.
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Zain Kara, from left, Ashwin Ramrooo and Jack Daya.
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Siloshnie Naicker, from left, Ngiphile Ncayiyana, Jeshan Naidoo, Daryn Chetty and Ishara Sadayan.
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Sheralle David, from left, Lindo Ncube and Tracy Bamber.
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Shaun van Wyk, from left, Darryll van Wyk, Clifford Crosson and Nola Crosson.
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Charmaine Witbooi, from left, Christine Dladla, Malaika Kapya, Nokuthula Mpanza and Kerry Gould.
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Pretty Goba, from left, Queency Dollvins and Melvina Matola.
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