ARTS & CULTURE
THE RETURN OF
Public Art
IN SOUTH AFRICA
BY BYRON LUKAS
PUBLIC ART IS EXPERIENCING A SIGNIFICANT REVIVAL IN SOUTH AFRICA. THROUGHOUT CITY CENTRES AND TOWNSHIP STREETS, NEGLECTED WALLS, VACANT PAVEMENTS, AND UNUSED AREAS ARE TRANSFORMING INTO VIBRANT CULTURAL LANDMARKS.
This is more than a small change. It’ s a cultural revival that draws locals, travellers, and art enthusiasts into South Africa’ s history. Public art is transforming city spaces with murals and installations, helping to shape community narratives.
MURALS WITH MEANING
South African cities have always thrived with creativity, but in recent years, murals have become one of the nation’ s most vibrant art forms. What once existed as scattered pockets of graffiti has developed into a national tapestry of colour, identity, and daring social commentary.
In Johannesburg’ s Maboneng area, Dbongz Mahlathi is a prominent figure in this movement.
26 INBOUND SA / JANUARY 2026