02-05-2025
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
