As the Midlands continues to grapple with a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has left farmers watching their cattle succumb to the illness, artists who work closely with farming communities have stepped in to help raise awareness. Visual artist Lelo Mncwango has joined calls for the public to take the disease seriously. Mncwango, who has produced cattle-themed artwork, said she has a long-standing relationship with farmers in the Midlands and decided to use her art as a tool to educate and inform.
She said two of the paintings she recently shared were created last year at the Salt Slab BBQ restaurant in Curry’s Post, whose owner is also a farmer. I’m not good with words, but I know my paintings make people stop and read my posts. “Once they do, they can research more about the disease and become informed,” Mncwango said.
Originally from Matubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mncwango said many people in her home area were not fully aware of the seriousness of FMD, prompting her to reshare the artworks as a form of advocacy. “This is my way of speaking out and calling on people to be informed and to take precautions where necessary,” she said. “I’m sure many people have seen these paintings without understanding the message behind them. “I’m hoping the message will encourage people to learn about the disease and to play a role in ensuring animals do not suffer and receive the assistance they need.” Mncwango said she was also among those who had not fully understood the scale and impact of FMD until recently, and hopes her efforts will encourage others to become better informed.
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