A partnership of community organisations launched the "Prayer and Paint Campaign" on Saturday to reclaim two passageways along Milton Road in Scottsville that had become hotspots for gang activity and youth misconduct.

The murals were painted in one passage on Saturday and the next phase of the project will be to beautify another passage and to prune the overhanging trees next week.

The initiative — a collaborative effort between People's Unity to Save Community (PUSC) non-profit organisation, Scottsville Community Improvement Forum, the Kraaifontein Prayer Network, and the Free The Walls — focused on pathways that provide essential access to the local schools, train station and other institutions but had become a spot where residents were being intimidated and harassed.

"For too long, people have been avoiding these pathways out of fear," said a PUSC chairperson, Adriaan Speelman. "Seeing our community come together to take it back shows that we are stronger than the violence. These spaces belong to us."

Rustum Carelse, the coordinator of Free The Walls, said: "We believe in the power of graffiti art to tell stories, build community, and uplift spaces. Being part of this initiative is a reminder that creativity can be a powerful tool for change."

For more information contact Mr Speelman at 073 006 1575.

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Prayer and Paint campaign transforms troubled passageway in Kraaifontein