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Farewell to Legendary Durban Sand Artist

One of Durban’s most talented, well known sand artists – Thembinkosi – has sadly passed away. He was known on Durban beachfront by locals and international visitors for his awesome creations that both entertained and inspired. The news was announced on Street Scene Tours’ Facebook page on 1 November. Themba was a popular sand artist on the Durban […]

06-11-15 11:03

One of Durban’s most talented, well known sand artists – Thembinkosi – has sadly passed away. He was known on Durban beachfront by locals and international visitors for his awesome creations that both entertained and inspired.

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

The news was announced on Street Scene Tours’ Facebook page on 1 November. Themba was a popular sand artist on the Durban beachfront scene for years, and in 2011 he became one of the first sculptors to work with Street Scene.

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

“He was a true talent, arguably the best sand artist Durban had,” Street Scene’s Jonas Barausse told SAPeople.

Durban sand artist with his winning rhino sculpture
Sand artist Thembinkosi with his prize-winning rhino.

“He won the Durban Sandcastle Contest in 2012 with his amazing Rhino sculpture and pretty much placed somewhere on the podium every other year.

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

“In 2013 we flew in the World Sandcastle champion from the USA to offer a workshop to our artists and Thembinkosi was always front and centre of the class to ensure he got the most from the experience.

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

“He was  a great artist with a huge smile and a natural flare for sculpting. Durban’s beachfront just wont be the same without him.”

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

“There is some red tape to get through for this years event, but you can be sure that if we pull it off, there will be a tribute to the man from his brothers in art…

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

“A fitting commemoration to a true Durban talent.”

Sand Artist Thembinkosi South Africa

No details were available on Thembinkosi’s surname and age. He was apparently admitted to hospital, and passed away whilst in there. He will be missed by many.

Photos by Luca Barausse.

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