A multitude of people from different walks of life converged on the humble village of Ramukhuba on Monday, to attend the opening of a new art gallery in honour of local artist Noria Mabasa.

The structure was built through funds invested by the National Department of Art and Culture to honour the energetic 70-year-old granny for her outstanding artistic works. The art and crafts studio is aimed at enlightening and unearthing hidden inborn artistic potential possessed by the younger generations.

In this regard, Noria Mabasa has given herself to pass on her superior knowledge to the young ones, in the same way that she also inherited it from her parents.

The multiple award winner believes in sharing her knowledge and skills with others so that they will continue with the good work, even if she passes over to the next world. The art gallery has been named Vhutsila avhu tibiwi art and craft centre, meaning that those who have particular knowledge should pass it on to other people before they pass away.

Among the special guests who turned up to witness the superlative event were councillors, mayors, traditional leaders, the head of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, including the deputy minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Ntombazana Botha. Traditional dancing was the order of the day as people lived it up through malende, tshikona and tshigombela dances, which were performed by several groups, including Mubvumoni-manari cultural group and Vhutsila avhu tibiwi traditional dancers.

Chief Ramabulana praised Noria Mabasa for unleashing her potential that has brought an answer and recognition to the people of his community. "Were it not for the great works done by Noria Mabasa, it would not be possible for people from as far as Europe and America to be here today," said the joyful chief.

The acting head of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Lukhwareni, told the people that gone were the days when artists would receive a pittance for a piece of art and by saying so, he was emphasizing the fact that artists should be given enough of what they deserve. He even quoted one of the world-renowned artists by the name of Vincent van Gogh, who died poor, even though he had created different artistic images that would have brought fortune to him.

Prior to the unveiling of the plaque by Ms Ntombazana Botha, the deputy minister of Arts and Culture praised Mama Noria for enriching and empowering other people through her God-given talent. She also urged the people to avail themselves for the lessons that will be provided by Mama Noria at the Art and Craft centre.

In an interview with Ms Gloria Mashaba, the mayor of Makhado, said that she was excited to have people of Mama Noria’s caliber, who bring pride to the nation. She further promised to help Mama Noria in every possible way towards the success of her vision.

Mabasa told the people that the facility might have come through her name but it belongs to the community at large. She further told the people that she was there to teach and help other young artists with the knowledge and experience that she had gained since she had started her artistic work about 40 years ago.