As part of the ongoing commitment to transform Bellville into a vibrant, sustainable community hub, the better. bellville. together. placemaking initiative, which is funded by the City of Cape Town, proudly unveils its latest addition to Bellville’s public art growing collection. Two striking Waste to Art Protea sculptures were recently installed on the corner of Blackenberg Street and Cross Street. These sculptures, crafted from recycled materials, symbolise the power of community engagement and sustainable practices to breathe new life into urban spaces.
Since its launch in February 2023, the better. bellville. together. initiative has made significant strides in driving economic growth, fostering community cohesion, and promoting environmental sustainability. Inspired by the progress, the Protea Waste to Art sculptures were born from the bins that were removed and replaced by the new better. bellville. together. separation at source bin stations at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange (PTI), showcasing the transformative potential of recycling and beautification of urban space in communities such as Bellville.
Alex Jongens, the better. bellville. together. beautification project lead, remarks, “From rubbish to beauty, we can change anything with education, action, and community involvement. These Proteas are a gift to the people of Bellville to celebrate this.”
The selection of Cross Street as the sculpture’s home was deliberate, given its status as a vital pedestrian route connecting the PTI to various destinations in Bellville. Situated in a prominent planter box, these sculptures serve as not only aesthetically pleasing landmarks but also as conversation starters and educational tools. They complement other elements introduced by the initiative, such as the Good Morning Sunshine mural and other gardens, enhancing the street’s overall ambiance.
Monque Fagan Junk, a new a local artist well-recognised for her work transforming waste to art says, “We were inspired by the successes of the waste diverted from landfills by the better. bellville. together. waste initiative, which included 15.1 tonnes of recyclables and 6.1 tonnes of food scraps and organic waste. A staggering 54.3 tonnes of organic waste has been diverted from 26 local businesses, 18.5 tonnes of garden material dropped off from the CBD, and a whopping 15.2 tonnes of compost has been made.
We were encouraged to repurpose the waste bins which were replaced by the new separation at source bin stations. We designed and crafted these Proteas as a gift to the community of Bellville to celebrate this transformation in consciousness around waste.
These old bins, which served us well in the past, were turned into gorgeous flowers using the national flower – the Lotus of the Cape. From waste to beauty, we can change anything with education, action and community involvement.”
The Protea theme pays homage to the region’s rich natural heritage, particularly the Sand Fynbos which is endemic to the Bellville area. By repurposing discarded materials into art inspired by indigenous flora, the sculptures offer a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between urban spaces and the wider environment.
“These beautiful sculptures are more than mere adornments; they represent a commitment to sustainability and creativity, and their presence enriches the Bellville community by providing an alternative form of public art, sparking curiosity, and encouraging reflection on waste and consumption habits,” adds Jongens.
For media inquiries or further information about the better. bellville. together. initiative. please visit www.bettertogether.africa or follow @betterbellvilletogether.
