Site Visit: The Impact of Tafelsig's PAINT Project in Mitchells Plain

What is the power of placemaking in places where the challenges are bigger and the risks higher? It is a question we continue to wrestle with in our work.

Over the past eight years, we have spent time in Tafelsig alongside Michael Bell and the PAINT Communities projects, supporting and amplifying as they reclaim public spaces. What Michael and his team demonstrate is that placemaking is not purely cosmetic, and while it may not be the only answer or panacea, it is certainly a good start.

Many of Tafelsig's walls were once covered in gang tags. Over the past decade, community-led murals across walls, walkways, homes and bus shelters have steadily replaced them, reclaiming public spaces and increasing safety (and dignity, according to Michael). None of the murals have been vandalised and some former taggers now paint with the project.

With placemaking, the risks do not disappear, but the environment changes and that matters to people.

If you would like to support a mural or the initiative, please reach out to Michael Bell or team@ourfuturecities.co

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