Yvonne Wilson, founder of Imbali
Imbali is honored to celebrate Yvonne Wilson, who turned 90 on 18 March, and to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary impact she has had on arts education and training in South Africa.
Founder
A lifelong belief in the power of creativity
In 1988, Yvonne founded Imbali as a project of Women for Peace, responding to the dire lack of art education in the majority of South African schools. With vision, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of creativity, she built an organization that has since transformed the lives of countless learners, educators, artists, and crafters. Through her dedication, Imbali has become a beacon of arts education and craft skills training, ensuring access to creative expression and enterprise development for those who were long denied it.
Yvonne's pioneering work laid the foundation for a more inclusive and enriched arts education landscape in South Africa. Her legacy continues to inspire, and we are profoundly grateful for her foresight, leadership, and lifelong commitment to the arts and education.
Happy 90th birthday, Yvonne! Your contribution to the arts is immeasurable, and your vision continues to shape the future.
An art competition
The Yvonne Wilson Innovative Chicken Award
To celebrate Yvonne Wilson's 90th birthday, Imbali launched a special art competition for its students and graduates: The Yvonne Wilson Innovative Chicken Award.
Participants were invited to create an artwork, design, or artefact featuring a living chicken or rooster as the central theme. The only size restriction was A2 or smaller — all media and techniques were welcome, encouraging maximum creativity and innovation.
- 1st place
- R2000
- 2nd place
- R1000
- 3rd place
- R500
Judging criteria
- Relevance to theme
- Innovation and originality
- Technical skill
- Quality of design
Twelve entries were submitted, showcasing a rich variety of approaches — from delicate textile and embroidery work to paintings, drawings, collages, and three-dimensional sculptural constructions.
Judging was no easy task. Our esteemed panel — artists Ushe Seejarim and Pat Maoutla, and art educator Hildur Amato — evaluated the works against the criteria through thoughtful discussion and careful deliberation.
Winners
Musa Hezekiel Mndebele
1st prize · First-year student
For a sculptural chicken crafted from pinecones and wood.
Sihlobo Moyo
2nd prize · Imbali graduate
For his charcoal drawing titled "The Time Keeper."
Ntombizodwa
3rd prize · Imbali graduate
For her oil painting of a rooster.
The judges were thoroughly impressed with the quality, creativity, and diverse materials used in the entries. A big congratulations to all participants! For those who missed it — keep your feathers fluffed — the next Innovative Chicken Award will be held in 2026.
Help the next maker start
Apply for the January intake Over 18 · two years · R400 registration plus a subsidised course fee