Go Fihlelela Toro ye e Lahlegilego (Reaching for Lost Dream)

Morwalo (Carrying Dreams) is an evocative artistic exploration of the complex layers of responsibility, resilience, and aspiration embodied by township youth. Inspired by the North Sotho word Morwalo, meaning "burden," the series reflects the heavy yet hopeful loads these young individuals carry as they navigate their path toward a brighter future.

My sculpture Reaching for Lost Dreams, depicts a young man walking, burdened by a self-made bag slung over his shoulder. This figure embodies the countless individuals in South African communities who grapple with Nyaope addiction, a street drug that traps its users in a cycle of dependency and despair. The self-made bag symbolizes the physical and emotional weight they carry—a collection of their past hopes, daily struggles, and the remnants of dreams now seemingly out of reach.

The act of walking in this piece is a metaphor for the ongoing struggle and the difficult journey that many undertake, often with little hope or support. Yet within this movement, there is a quiet determination, a refusal to be entirely consumed by the circumstances. The rough, reclaimed materials used to create this sculpture emphasize themes of resilience and the potential for reclaiming one’s life, even amidst profound adversity.

While Reaching for Lost Dreams focuses on the harsh realities of addiction, it also serves as a broader commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by many who are not addicted. These individuals, though not ensnared by drugs, still navigate a landscape of poverty, limited opportunities, and systemic inequality. Their struggles, though different, are interconnected with those of the addicted, as they too carry the weight of survival in a society that often overlooks their silent burdens.

Through Reaching for Lost Dreams, I aim to evoke empathy and provoke dialogue about the socio-economic challenges that contribute to such addictions. This sculpture is not just a portrayal of suffering but a call to recognize the humanity in those who are often marginalized and stigmatized, whether or not they are caught in the grips of addiction. It challenges us to see beyond the surface, to understand the complex realities that shape all lives touched by these conditions, and to consider the systemic issues that perpetuate cycles of poverty and despair. By placing this work in a public, communal space like a rooftop exhibition, I hope to foster awareness and encourage collective responsibility in addressing the issues that underpin addiction and broader socio-economic struggles in our society, urging viewers to reflect on their role in both the problems and the potential solutions.