Digital Bridges Ubuntu Project: Exhibition Day Highlights
The Digital Bridges Ubuntu Project culminated in a vibrant exhibition day that brought together artists, communities, and digital innovation under one roof. Visitors experienced a unique blend of digital and physical art, interactive installations, and live showcases that celebrated creativity, culture, and connection.
The day was filled with inspiring moments , from the incredible works of our talented artists to the energy and engagement of everyone who attended. It was a true reflection of Ubuntu: “I am because we are”, creating meaningful connections and celebrating the power of collective creativity.
uDikela yiKumkani
Born in Alice (eDikeni) and raised in New Brighton, Gqeberha, uDikela Yikumkani is a fashion designer on a mission: to weave heritage into modern life through his brand, Imbofashion. “Imbo” stands for originality-the heart of Dikela’s work. Proudly Xhosa, he draws inspiration from the history, customs, and traditions of his ancestors.
In a time when many drift from their roots, Dikela uses fashion as cultural healing, inspiring his community to honour and celebrate Xhosa identity every day.
Theo Zonke
Pumelela “Theo” Zonke is a visual artist, muralist, and art facilitator from New Brighton, Gqeberha, South Africa. Born in 1995, his practice is deeply rooted in community-based art, public engagement, and skills transfer, using creativity as a tool for empowerment and collective expression.
He has contributed to over ten large-scale mural projects, facilitated numerous creative workshops, and exhibited his work across galleries, pop-up spaces, and museums. His experience spans both independent practice and collaborative projects, working closely with artists, community organisations, and public audiences.
Theo’s artistic practice includes painting, drawing, sculpture, lino-cut, screen-printing, and clothing customisation. Through the Digital Bridges project, his work reflects a commitment to expanding creative access while preserving cultural identity.
Passionate about uplifting his community, he also offers art facilitation and skills-sharing services, supporting creative development across diverse groups and spaces.
Miranda Grootboom
Miranda is a fine artist born and raised in Gqeberha. Her love for art started in childhood and later inspired her to study Art & Design, then further obtain an N. Diploma in Fine Art at Nelson Mandela University.
After her studies, she worked for a local Arts NGO as admin/project assistant/artist on various arts projects while making art in her own time. Years later, she found her footing in creating art and by the time COVID-19 struck in 2020, she was full-time on making art for clients. Human emotions are the subject matter she explores in her work, which she interprets as a reaction to the environment or circumstances that influence our general outlook. Her work seeks to translate these emotions into art that can be relatable to audiences and also positively heal and inspire.
Her portfolio of artwork is diverse/versatile, featuring expressive line abstract drawings, wildlife, landscape etc. She has taken part in various art projects, art-creating programmes, public art projects, commissioned art calls and to-date involved in projects where she teaches art basics to primary school learners.
Simamkele Moyana
Popularly known as Mes Mo, Simamkele Moyana is professional photographer, a passionate visual storyteller whose journey began in 2017 capturing the natural beauty and landscapes of the Eastern Cape. His deep appreciation for scenery and authentic moments shaped his eye behind the lens, leading him to pursue photography full time in 2019 under his brand, Eyebro’s Studios.
Today, he serves as the Lead Photographer at SIX BLX, bringing a refined creative vision to projects across events, artists, brands, and community-driven work, while continuing to document powerful stories through intentional and striking imagery.
Kwanele Masumpa
Kwanele “Kwan” Masumpa is a self-taught graphic designer, creative entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary creative from Gqeberha. He began his graphic design journey in 2019 and has since built a strong reputation through consistent work with musicians, visual artists, event brands, and businesses both locally and across South Africa.
Known for bold visual storytelling and concept-driven design, his work blends culture, music, and community influence with modern digital creativity. Beyond design, he is actively involved in creative direction, brand development, photography, and community-focused initiatives that empower artists and young creatives.
Hlumelo January
‘The Media Davinci’ 23-year-old Xhosa powerhouse from Gqeberha, painting her name across the South African creative scene—one bold stroke at a time. From sketching in her bedroom to leading mural teams on iconic city walls, she’s a visual storyteller, event curator, and cultural mover.
As the founder of The Arts Experience and the visionary behind empowering projects, Hlumelo fuses art with activism, creating spaces where stories are seen, voices are heard, and communities come alive. Whether it’s on canvas, concrete, or camera—she’s here to disrupt,to inspire, and to make art unforgettable.
uBuntu
Threads of Care, Codes of Connection
uBuntu — “I am because we are” — is the philosophical and ethical foundation of the Digital Bridges Project. It guides the dialogue between traditional artistic practices and contemporary digital expression, positioning art as a space where care, accountability, and collective responsibility are actively negotiated.
In the South African context, where social fragmentation, economic inequality, and gender-based violence continue to weaken communal bonds, uBuntu is both a cultural inheritance and a necessary intervention. Digital Bridges responds to this reality by asking how art—rooted in tradition yet responsive to the present—can help rebuild trust, dignity, and connection.
Featured Artists