SA Police Welcome Talented Sand Artist onto Fish Hoek Beach

It was a big moment at Fish Hoek Beach on Monday as Station Commander Madoda Hlakula welcomed Cape Town’s talented sand artist, Michael Myekwa, onto the beach with his brand new letter of permission.

The Fish Hoek community had rallied together in the past week to help sand sculptor Michael obtain an all-important permit which will allow him to accept donations from fans of his creations.

Although Michael was never asked to leave the beach (as was mistakenly claimed in some reports), he was informed by officials earlier this month that, because he accepted donations, he would need to get a Busking permit.

Station Commander Hlakula explained to SAPeople that throughout this period, Michael has still been working on the beach, and that even now he still does not actually have a permit… because the Busking by-law has as yet not been approved.

Fortunately, Hlakula said, the Council has kindly assisted him by issuing a letter in the meantime, until the by-law is approved.

On Monday it was a very happy and grateful Michael who was welcomed to the beach by Hlakula, with Michael’s ‘guardian angel’ Colleen Ross Brand on the scene to get these photos. It was fellow artist Colleen, a textile jeweller, who helped Michael every step of the way in getting his permit. She calls his artwork “an amazing sight” and is in awe of how he uses “sand and talent” to create these sculptures which bring “nothing but pleasure to and admiration from EVERYONE… including busloads of tourists.”

Councillor Felicity Purchase, who was also helpful during the process, told SAPeople: “It’s great, now we have a resident artist sculptor.”

Michael wasted no time in getting straight to work…

And to thank all those who have supported him, Michael created this wonderful tribute of gratitude:

#ThankYouSAPS #ThankYouFishHoek #ThankYouMichael #HeadDownToFishHoekBeachtoSeeMichaelsArtForYourself!