Mural unveiled by Read to Rise in honour of Athol Williams
From left, Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews interacts with Mavis and Roscoe Williams at the launch of a mural along Eisleben Drive, Portlands, honouring Dr Athol Williams.
Image: Alicia English
Literacy organisation Read to Rise paid special tribute to its co-founder Dr Athol Williams on Monday at the official launch of a mural of the internationally acclaimed author and Oxford University professor, who is currently living abroad in exile.
Measuring 10x8 metres, the mural was painted by artist Rizah Potgieter, and can be seen along Eisleben Drive, between Morgenster Drive and Silversands Avenue.
Williams grew up and attended both primary and high school in Mitchell's Plain and was an avid baseball and soccer player before embarking on a successful international academic and business career.
He has contributed to numerous other educational causes and schools, including his high school Westridge High.
"In 2019, Dr Williams was inspired to establish the Cape Flats Book Festival in Mitchell's Plain because he believed that such festivals should not be the preserve of elite communities only. The annual festival now attracts writers from across the community and country, and thousands of attendees,” said Roscoe Williams, Read to Rise programme director.
From left: Artist Rizah Potgieter, Read to Rise programme director Roscoe Williams, Athol Williams' mother, Mavis, and Read to Rise board chairperson Nicholas Williams at the official unveiling of the Athol Williams mural along Eisleben Drive in Portland.
Image: Alicia English
Speaking at the launch, Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews thanked Williams and Read to Rise for their contributions to society.
"We recognise what Athol has achieved, not just as an individual, but also through the Read to Rise programme,” he said.
Andrews also commended Williams for his bravery in testifying before the Zondo Commission, which investigated corruption, despite the threat to his life.
In a 700-page affidavit and at great risk to his personal life and career, Williams blew the whistle on consultant pariah Bain and Company and its plans to weaken Sars during the tenure of former commissioner Tom Moyane.
“Athol still went ahead and testified at the Zondo commission. And that is a story that we want to also mention and highlight today, that all heroes are not wearing capes but all of them have to be brave.
“Athol displayed a level of bravery that most people never even try and probably pursue. And that's why the City of Cape Town honoured him because it was brave for him to do what he did,” Andrews said.
Nicholas Williams, chairperson of the Read to Rise board, said Williams’s absence at the launch as he is in exile is also a reminder of the sacrifices that many South Africans continue to make for others to enjoy the freedom of our democracy.
“I think it's important that we celebrate Freedom Day and to acknowledge all those people that sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy this freedom."
Cape Argus