GOLDEN MOMENT
The Living Golden Statue: A Waterfront Encounter.
As the bustling Cape Town Waterfront brimmed with the hum of tourists, musicians, and playful children, a quieter story unfolded in the shadows of a cobblestone alleyway. Amid the cacophony of street performers and dockside chatter, Zakhele Popo, better known as “The Living Bronze Statue,” made his understated entrance.
Draped in metallic gold from head to toe — coat, hat, cane, and even his crate — Zakhele is a seasoned busker who has become something of a local legend. Carrying his weathered crate in one hand and nodding politely to curious glances, he made his way through the crowds. His golden visage shone against the setting sun, catching the attention of onlookers and children who dared to run up and touch his arm before retreating in fits of giggles.
Zakhele’s act is a blend of patience, performance, and art. Known for his ability to stand motionless for what seems like eternity, he became a fixture in Cape Town’s vibrant street culture during covid. For many, spotting the "golden man" was a rite of passage on a visit to the Waterfront.
This particular evening, however, Zakhele moved away from the crowds, choosing the quieter intimacy of an alleyway lined with restaurant entrances. The fading light cast long shadows as he arranged his crate with deliberate care. Stepping atop it with the precision of a craftsman, he froze in a pose of dignified grandeur, his cane poised in one hand, his gaze fixed on the invisible horizon.
The stillness itself became a magnet. A young child, no more than six years old, stopped in his tracks, her small face tilted upward in silent awe. He stared at the golden figure, captivated by the absence of motion, as if trying to decipher whether he was real. Behind Zakhele, a waiter on a smoke break looked forward ove rthe small hedge, watching the scene unfold. His gaze flickered between the mesmerised child and the motionless performer.
For a moment, the noise and rush of the Waterfront seemed to fade, replaced by an unspoken connection in a moment between three strangers: the wonder of a child, the quiet appreciation of an adult, and the dedication of an artist.
Living Cities Collection
Welcome to who we are, what we do, and those who live around and with us.
As social creatures, humans have always lived in tribes, building communities based on shared values and beliefs. Within these tribes, humans have created homes and cities, both as a place of shelter and as a reflection of their identity. Humans also have an innate desire to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings, and our curiosity extends beyond physical exploration as we seek out new experiences and live life in our own domestic spaces. Whether at home or on the move, we are constantly driven to survive, create, or discover the meaning of living.
