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By Siphesihle Dlamini
Within the bustling walls of Hlathikhulu Central High School, a story of grit, raw talent, and quiet determination is being written—not in ink, but in graphite. It’s being shaded into existence with every stroke of a young artist’s pencil.
That artist is 19-year-old Zwakele Ndzabandzaba, a final-year pupil who, despite academic pressures and life’s complexities, continues to push the boundaries of creativity and courage through his art. “I draw what moves me,” he says. “What will satisfy the viewer.
” But he added quickly that his mission goes far beyond impressing others. “I draw to make my art sound to those who need courage and motivation in life,” he explained.
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This duality between the need to express and the desire to uplift is what defines Zwakele’s blossoming journey in the arts. He may still be in the early stages, but the depth of his reflections and the emotional weight of his pieces already tell of a young man wrestling not just with subjects on paper, but with life itself.
Zwakele doesn’t claim to have a unique style. He admits that “I don’t have a unique style. But I draw what’s in me, what flows naturally. My inspiration? It’s mood driven. Sometimes it comes from good vibes, or from my art mate who gives me advice and helps push me to the limit.”
The weight of his journey becomes evident when he speaks of his background. “The reason I’m dedicated to art may be the rough background I’m coming from,” he confided. “I’m eager to change the lifestyle and also impress my mom.”
That yearning to make his mother proud breathes fire into every pencil stroke, every late-night sketch, and every attempt to share his art with the world.
He speaks of art as more than craft; he speaks of it as a sanctuary. “Drawing is my silent language,” Zwakele said.
“A canvas where my thoughts take shape and my imagination runs free. Each stroke tells a story. Each shade expresses a feeling.” It’s more than a metaphor. To him, art is healing.
“It’s a dance of creativity that transcends words,” he continued. “In every sketch, I find a piece of myself, woven into lines and colours that breathe life into my vision.”
For most students, balancing schoolwork and social life is challenging enough. For Zwakele, there’s the added task of nurturing an artistic voice. “Drawing is something not very possible,” he said, referring to his tight school schedule.
“So, I make all means to develop my art skills.” Whether it’s staying up late to sketch after homework, or waking early to refine details before class, he finds time where others see none.
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His art isn’t bound by realism or surrealism or any one box, it’s guided by emotion, raw and unfiltered. “Drawing is my sanctuary,” he said again, like a mantra. “A place where I can escape the chaos of the world, where I can breathe, feel, and explore without boundaries.”
In those moments, his paper becomes a portal. “With each pencil stroke, I transport myself to realms where my imagination reigns,” he said. “Crafting worlds and characters that exist solely in my mind.”
What drives him is something many young artists struggle to name: the process. “My creative process is crazy, actually,” he said. “It’s somewhat different from usual.” Before he draws, he studies the paper. He envisions the artwork.
“Then I replicate what’s in my mind or my reference,” he said. “The more my mood is 100 per cent, I feel like what I’m drawing automatically connects with my hands. There’s a supreme energy that runs through my nerves from my mind to the plain paper.”
This isn’t romanticism; it’s spiritual. It’s how he taps into a deeper place of creativity and reflection. Though he’s still emerging in the public eye, Zwakele has taken brave steps toward visibility.
“I’ve partaken in talent shows here in Hlatsi,” he said, referencing performances at the Hlathikhulu Sports Centre and Mazinyikinya Community Centre.
He hasn’t had exhibitions yet. “Just like I mentioned before, I’m still a learner,” he stated and revealed that he has, however, sold artworks to customers here and there.
“I haven’t made that much profit,” he admits, “because I’m still trying to advertise my art. But with your help and support, I think I’ll have the ability to increase the rate and get more customers.”
He sees each sale not as an end but a beginning—a way to gain experience and sharpen his skills. Zwakele’s artistic DNA carries the fingerprints of giants. “I’m inspired by artists like Lindani Vilakati and Mzwandile Moletsane,” he said.
The latter, especially, holds a special place in his heart. “Moletsane has been so kind to me. I look up to him—his confidence, his strong instinct about being an artist. That’s what I want to grow into.”
But his role models aren’t just public figures. “My role model is everyone who gives me advice and support,” he explained. That inclusive spirit speaks volumes about his character: open to learning, and humble enough to grow. Zwakele doesn’t see his art journey as solitary.
He speaks directly to others with similar dreams. “To those yet to partake in the art industry,” he said, “be consistent, be resilient, be patient in all you do. Be eager to accomplish in life.”
His voice grows firm. “I’m interested in giving people the bigger picture about life and how they can make their dreams come true.” If that’s not the very definition of art, creating a better picture, then perhaps nothing is
. For now, Zwakele Ndzabandzaba is still seated at a desk at Hlathikhulu Central High School, balancing books and brushes, learning both algebra and anatomy (human and artistic). But his vision stretches far beyond graduation.
“My biggest aspiration is to become the best version of myself.” And perhaps that’s what makes his journey so magnetic. Not the perfection of his lines or the fame he seeks, but the raw humanity. The unshakable belief that from humble beginnings, greatness can be drawn.
