‘The Light of Hope’ is a sculpture installation that elicits feelings of hope and rejuvenation in response to the country’s social, political and economic challenges. Despite the traumas of recession, Covid-19 and the aftermath of looting, the artwork communicates the belief that healing is possible, inspiring hope, and spreading love, harmony and unity. The butterflies are a symbol of transformation and new beginnings.

Born in Umzumbe, a rural village near Port Shepstone, Mhlonishwa Chiliza’s work includes drawing, sculpture, photography, multimedia and mixed media. Chiliza holds a Master’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of Witwatersrand and lectures at multiple institutions on subjects as varied as visual culture, critical theory and the philosophy of photography.