The community of Scottsville are reclaiming their streets back by changing the landscape and covering the walls with art and the community with prayer.
On Saturday community members came out in numbers to revitalise and transform spaces in the area through art. The initiative was held in collaboration with the People’s Unity to Save Communities, the Scottsville Community Improvement Forum, the Kraaifontein Prayer Network and the Free The Walls organisation.
Project coordinator Adrian Speelman said that The Prayer and Paint initiative aims to transform neglected and unsafe spaces previously associated with gang activity and youth misconduct into spaces of hope, creativity and safety.
He explains: “Scottsville, a working-class community, has long struggled with high levels of violent crime and social issues. Gang presence in the area has instilled fear among residents, limiting their freedom of movement, particularly affecting young people on their way to school.
"The Prayer and Paint Campaign aims to shift that narrative by reclaiming public spaces through community action, prayer, and street art. We hope to extend this campaign throughout Kraaifontein and invite other communities in Cape Town."
The launch of the Paint and Prayer campaign was launched on 22 March with the second phase of the campaign taking place on Saturday between Milton Street and Frans Conradie Road
Free The Walls, founded and led by Nadia Fisher, champions graffiti as a form of positive expression and community upliftment.
She adds: “We use art to inspire change, advocate for the rights and recognition of street artists, and push for a review of City bylaws that unfairly criminalise graffiti."