In a heartfelt tribute that now brightens Eisleben Road in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, residents proudly honoured Dr Athol Williams with a striking mural celebrating his extraordinary contributions to education, justice, and community upliftment. Created by artist Rizah Potgieter and backed by local sponsors, it is the first mural in the area to honour a living community member.
Dr Williams, who grew up in Mitchells Plain — a township in Cape Town known for its resilience despite decades of social and economic challenges — has become a beacon of hope and pride. He co-founded Read to Rise, a literacy NGO that distributes books to children, and launched the Cape Flats Book Festival to foster a culture of reading in underserved communities.
His academic accolades include a doctorate from the University of Oxford and five master’s degrees from globally renowned institutions such as Harvard and MIT. He is celebrated not only for his academic excellence but also for his moral courage in exposing high-level corruption, actions that earned him both international recognition and local honours.
Despite his global success, Dr Williams has never lost his deep connection to his roots. As Alderman Andrews noted at the mural unveiling:
“In the heart of Mitchells Plain, a community that has weathered many storms, yet still dreams, still fights, and still dares to believe in a better tomorrow, a young boy named Athol Williams dared to dream bigger than his circumstances. With this mural, we are not just honouring that man. We are making a bold statement about who we are — and more importantly, about who we can be.”
He went on to say:
“In a world where too often the loudest stories are those of gangsterism, drugs and broken dreams, we offer a different narrative. We carve into the heart of Mitchells Plain a story of hope, resilience, excellence, and compassion.”
The mural is intended to be more than a work of art. It is a visual call to action and inspiration for the youth of the Cape Flats — a reminder of what is possible.
“I want young people to see themselves in this mural,” said Alderman Andrews. “To know they too can rise, write books, teach at world-class universities, build organisations and change lives. If we are to defeat gangsterism and drug abuse, we must flood our streets with stories like Athol’s.”
A deeply personal moment was shared by Alderman Andrews:
“A few years ago, at my daughter’s 21st birthday, I read one of Dr Williams’s poems. In that moment, surrounded by family, I was struck by the extraordinary beauty of his words — words that speak to our struggles, hopes, and shared humanity. His poetry is not distant or abstract. It is rooted in the very soil of Mitchells Plain.”
The Deputy Mayor issued a special call to education officials to ensure Dr Williams’s poetry is included in school English literature setworks:
“Let our children — those walking these streets and dreaming their own dreams — see themselves reflected in this success story. When we tell our stories, we give future generations permission to dream, to build, to soar.”
The City of Cape Town has committed to supporting local artists, educators, and youth-led initiatives that promote dignity and excellence.
“Let us invest in the extraordinary potential that lies right here on the Cape Flats. Let’s not just honour Athol’s story today — let’s ensure it inspires a thousand more. Thank you, Dr Athol Williams, for reminding us who we are and who we are destined to become,” concluded Alderman Andrews.
This mural is more than paint on a wall. It’s a symbol of pride, a story of possibility, and a powerful invitation to every young person: make life count.
