As a mom, the thought of not being able to secure the right medical help for my two sons is unimaginable. This deep sense of concern was intensified when I learned about the heartbreaking history of the Addington Children’s Hospital in Durban. Closed down in 1984 due to the apartheid government’s racial prejudice, the story of this once- vibrant facility left me shaken.

A LEGACY OF COMPASSION

The nursing staff at Addington Children’s Hospital refused to turn away unwell children of colour, which infuriated the local municipality. Because the hospital was located in a white-zoned area, the authorities abandoned the four historic and architecturally stunning buildings overnight, allowing them to fall into decay, vandalism, and the ravages of time. For 28 years, these magnificent structures stood as a crumbling eyesore on the Durban beachfront—a stark reminder of inequality and lost potential.

A NEW BEGINNING

Fortunately, hope emerged in the form of two dedicated doctors who envisioned revitalising these iconic buildings. In 2011, the Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Trust was registered, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Durban community and an outpouring of donations, renovations commenced in 2012 and are still ongoing.

During one of my visits to Durban while my youngest son attended ballet classes in Glenwood, I learned about this inspiring project. I felt deeply moved and wondered how I could contribute. While browsing the trust’s website, I saw an option to donate a brick for R100, but I knew I wanted to do more. I decided to offer what I had in my hands: the ability to paint.

A CREATIVE CHALLENGE

Presenting my idea to the CEO of the KZN Children’s Trust was one hurdle, but securing permission from the KZN Department of Health posed an entirely different challenge. Nevertheless, we pressed on, and I was eventually given the green light to create twelve portraits.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of addressing a special audience on the 22nd floor of The Pencil Club, one of the most prestigious buildings in Umhlanga. They gathered eagerly to hear the stories of twelve remarkable children whose lives have been positively impacted by the newly established facilities at the hospital. It was a deeply rewarding experience to see my paintings displayed elegantly in such beautiful surroundings, culminating a two-and-a-half-year project.

RAISING AWARENESS THROUGH ART

And even though I may not have raised as much as I had hoped from the auction, what I did raise was something one can’t put a price tag to: that of awareness.