Zamani gets five customers that need their groceries carried to the taxi rank. The sun is out in earnest so he is tired when he gets back to his shack. He opens the door, throws himself on the bed and falls asleep. A hand shakes him awake. He is pleasantly surprised to see Snethemba’s smiling face when he opens his eyes. It has become dark outside. A delicious smell has filled his shack.

“Here’s some food. Mama told me to dish up for you,” says Snethemba.

“Thanks. Steamed bread and beans is my favourite! It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper home cooked meal. Please thank your mom for me,” he says.

“I will. I got you something,” she says.

Zamani opens the plastic packet Snethemba gives him. Inside is a ream of A4 paper and a set of art pencils.

“Thank you, Snethemba! I was wondering where I was going to get plain paper for drawing,” he says gratefully.

“No problem. I can’t wait to see your drawing. I know you are going to win this competition. You are talented. But you must hurry – the deadline is in two days!”

“Thanks. I’ll give it my best,” he says, in between spoonfuls. “This is delicious!”

“Listen, Zamani. I’m going away for a promotional gig tomorrow morning. I’ll be back in time for the announcement of the winners at the gallery.”

“I’m nervous about the competition,” he says.

“Don’t be nervous. You are talented. Just let your artistic side roam free.”

“Thank you for your support, Sne. I really appreciate you.”

“I believe in you.” Snethemba looks him straight in the eyes.

They look into each other’s faces in the silence … then kiss ferociously.

Inspired by his new love, Zamani throws himself into the drawing. He doesn’t need to go to work because Snethemba has left him some cash so that he can concentrate on nothing but drawing.

The detail in the finished drawing is truly breath-taking. It is his best work yet. As he hands it in at the gallery, he feels hopeful he may win.

On the day of the announcement of the winners, he wakes up early and heads to the gallery.

“This way, sir,” says the white lady at reception. They find his work – he has made it to the long list out of 50 entries. “Wow this is splendid work! Such great detail!” the receptionist keeps saying, as she shows him where his piece is hanging.

The judges then reveal who has been selected for the shortlist, and he is there, in that list of only five. He keeps searching the crowd, looking for Sne. The lights are switched off. The shortlisted drawings are projected on the main screen.

The master of ceremonies takes the microphone.

“Third place goes to Simo Sithole. Second place goes to Amanda Gubazana,” he says.

There is a round of applause as the winners take to the stage. Zamani’s heartbeat is so powerful he feels thudding in his head.

“And the first prize goes to Zamani Khuzwayo!”

The lights come back on. Zamani thinks he has heard wrong. He is in disbelief. Everyone looks around because the winner has not stood up.

“Zamani Khuzwayo come up to the stage and claim your prize!”

Zamani slowly rises from his chair. A round of thunderous applause rings out in the hall. Tears of joy run down his face. He is suspended in disbelief as he claims his prize.

His drawing remains projected on the screen for the remainder of the event. He is introduced to the organisers of the event and the funders, important people in the art scene. He feels instantly at home among these people who value his talent.

Then he hears a familiar voice behind him say, “Tell me about your drawing.”

It is Snethemba.

“You made it, Sne!”

They embrace and kiss. Snethemba looks at the drawing, amazed she is also in it.

“Tell me more about this drawing,” she says.

“I decided to draw my dream, my love. This prize is a perfect start. I’m going to make sure this dream comes true.”

They hug and look at the drawing for a while, hoping and wishing everything detailed in it will come to life in the near future.

***

Tell us: There are many writing competitions with prizes, to encourage a reading culture. But what about art competitions, as in this story. Is art important? Where does ‘art’ feature in all of our lives?