Thrive Through Art Top Three Winners:
Earlier this year, Latitudes and Thrive Student Living teamed up to spotlight the next generation of creative talent. We invited university and college arts students across South Africa to submit an original artwork into a newly launched competition.
The three winners will each win a cash prize, and have their artwork featured on beautifully designed Thrive tote bags, allowing their talent to live and move in the real world.
Today, we're excited to announce the three winning artists!
Akhona Anele Njapha
Institution: University of Cape Town
Department: Humanities
Bio: I visualise my faith by giving an image of precious moments in time and the feelings they invoke as well as creating artworks that relate to the world around us, things we go through in life as people along with our differences. I love light and my goal is to spread it all over the world. When people see my work, all I hope for is for them to feel the way that I do when these beautiful visuals and scenarios of my artworks run through my mind, absolute awe.
Thapelo Mohlala
Institution: Tshwane University of Technology
Department: Fine and Applied Arts
Bio: I'm a broad artist who deals with variety of mediums when it comes to art. I would like my artwork to remain realistic even if they are designs. I'm a good writer and I love painting this was my first experience using yarn and knitting with a needle. I love art because the interpreter can tell his or her own message using my own art. Art brings peace to me and my walls are full of art and inspiration.
Luchia Turtledove
Institution: Cape Town Creative Academy
Department: BA in Motion Design
Bio: My life has been shaped by constant movement, anxiety, and loss, yet art has always remained my grounding force, the thread that holds me together and reminds me of who I am. From a young age, creativity was woven into my world through my mother, whose beautiful artworks and printed textiles continue to inspire me long after her passing. Her memory fuels my determination to create, to tell stories, and to share the moments that have shaped me.
Since moving to Cape Town, my life has been illuminated by light, love, and new beginnings. The city and its creative community have given me confidence, a sense of belonging, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through my work, I aim to express gratitude for these connections and to celebrate the people and places that have helped me grow into the artist I strive to be.
In a world often overshadowed by violence and division, my art seeks to reveal the beauty, hope, and love that still surround us. I create to remind others, and myself, that even in struggle, there is meaning, and there is always light waiting to be found.
26 Nov 2025
