Once a downbeat place marked by peeling paint, neglected buildings, and an unsafe reputation, parts of Quigney are now bursting with colour and renewed pride.
East London’s historic seaside and harbour suburb, Quigney, has been transformed through a vibrant community-driven building and wall- painting initiative.
It is mostly thanks to the visionary leadership of community activist and ratepayer leader Satish Nair and the collaborative efforts of residents, contractors and local authorities.
Nair, chair of the Quigney Ratepayers and Residents Association (QRPRA), has played a pivotal role in combating urban decay, crime, and neglect by consistently working alongside local authorities, law enforcement, and community members. His leadership has been instrumental in encouraging the resurgence of Quigney as a cleaner, safer, and more attractive neighbourhood through initiatives like this bold wall and building painting project and broader urban renewal programs.
Go! visited the community. Despite significant progress in reducing crime and improving cleanliness, many buildings still appear neglected, giving an impression of decline.
Nair explained that to truly alter this perception, it was necessary to address these visible signs of neglect. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues of Cape Town’s iconic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the project united local property owners in painting buildings in bright, cohesive colours to foster a renewed sense of community pride and unity.
He noted that those with previously neglected properties would feel a renewed obligation to maintain their buildings when surrounded by beautifully painted neighbours, emphasising the project’s role as a catalyst for social cohesion.
The painting crew face unique problems. Quigney’s seaside location attracts major damp in building walls.
Nhlanhla Tshabangu, owner of Luckies painting services and one of the main contractors in the area, said theirs was a battle against soggy cement while buffeted by coastal winds, while up in sky, 20m off the ground. Though weather conditions sometimes forced work stoppages, the team persevered.
The Weaver’s Retirement Centre project, which included interior and exterior surfaces, began on August 28.
Tshabangu recommends using liquid rubber coatings renowned for their water-resistant properties, which he feels is crucial for protecting buildings exposed to coastal battering.
His expertise, honed through high-profile projects including Orient Beach and Eskom developments, brought professional quality to this community-led effort.
A significant contributor to the project’s success was the strong collaboration between painters, QRPRA, local law enforcement, beach security, and the supportive Quigney residents.
The public responded enthusiastically, with no injuries or interruptions reported throughout the process. Community cooperation and respect ensured smooth progress and helped safeguarding personnel and equipment.
Alan Theron, representing Weavers Retirement Centre, said their choice of bright, bold colours was driven by a desire to inject vibrancy and positivity.
“Vibrant colours evoke feelings of happiness and energy,” Theron said.
“These are especially important in creating a welcoming, uplifting atmosphere for our residents.”
He expressed hope that the makeover would not only beautify the building but also inspire pride across the community, reinforcing Quigney’s image as a thriving and dynamic place to live and visit.
Quigney resident Thandi Mbeki voiced her enthusiasm for the project: “Seeing the bright colours light up the streets has truly lifted my spirits and those of my neighbours.
“It feels like Quigney is coming alive again.
“I’m proud to call this place home and hope this paints a new future for all of us here.”
Residents and visitors welcomed the new colours and vibe.
They spoke with joy at the freshly painted walls, alive with blues, yellows, and reds, saying they felt the streetscapes are being revitalised.
The cherry on the cake is that the beachfront is back as an inviting destination for families and tourists.
Local businesses have reported increased foot traffic, buoyed by hopes that this visible transformation signals a broader economic revival.
Tshabangu observed that the overwhelmingly positive community reaction would inspire other building owners to embark on renovations, which would keep the momentum of renewal rolling.
This vibrant transformation forms part of larger urban regeneration efforts spearheaded by the Buffalo City metro, which supports beautification, safety, and tourism-enhancing projects throughout East London.
Nair’s local work complements these municipal initiatives, fostering a strong partnership between government agency and grassroots community leadership with shared aspirations of growth and vibrancy.
Ultimately, the Quigney building and wall painting project symbolises a community reclaiming its dignity, space, and future.
Through vision, resilience, and collective effort, Quigney’s renovations tell a powerful story of hope and renewed energy.
