April 9, 2003
By Mandisi Majavu
THE Orlando Power Station towers in Soweto have been given a significant face-lift, resulting in one of the towers becoming the largest mural painting this country has ever seen.
Janine Kleinschmidt, a graphic designer, was commissioned by First National Bank (FNB) to design the mural and the painting of both the towers took six months to complete.
The inspiration for the mural, says Kleinschmidt, came after taking a tour around Soweto with the group of other designers, they decided that whatever painting they were going to design, it had to be something representing the people of Soweto - furthermore, something positive.
In her design, Kleinschmidt successfully captured the energy and movement that can be seen on the streets of Soweto, but more importantly, all the people who are regarded as inspirational by the residents of the township.
As this project was funded by FNB, the first tower is branded with the bank's logo and the payoff line "How can we help you?" on one side, and "Proudly South African" on the other.
The second tower, however, is completely pictorial.
"It portrays images of famous Soweto landmarks, people's heroes such as Nelson Mandela and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, as well as scenes and images from everyday life like taxis and street vendors," says Zweli Manyathi, head of FNB's metropolitan banking.
Painting the towers was not an easy task. A helicopter was used to put two ropes around the top of the towers, and then, a bob-line was employed to draw a grid to help guide the painters who then completed the project by painting - freehand - the illustrations on both towers.
"It took about 250 litres of paint, if not more, to complete the project," says one of the painters, Danny Swartz.
The Orlando Power Station was for years used as a power generating plant by the council, supplying electricity to Johannesburg's suburbs, but, ironically, not to the homes in Soweto. The plant was closed down when it became too expensive to maintain.
"With this high profile exercise, we trust that it will both brighten the view for Sowetans and will further serve to strengthen FNB's position in the eyes of the community," says Manyathi.
Although the project was initially an FNB branding exercise, he says, "we see it not only as promoting FNB", but as recognition and acknowledgement of the pivotal role played by all Sowetans during South Africa's transition to democracy.
