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The beautiful thing about stories is that everybody has one. These stories are told in the lines on our faces, in the glint of our eyes, and continued even on the soles of tiny feet.
Your story is not too big or too small and it certainly isn’t too quiet or too loud. Whatever shape it takes, it has power and deserves to be heard.
There are many stories: stories of love, stories of hope, and stories of courage. Stories with pages you want to read over and over again, and stories with pages you want to tear out. All of them have the power to inspire.
We're the bank that listens to your story – because it is a masterpiece.
Through all life’s seasons, let these everyday stories inspire you and remind you that your story matters. Â
Your story matters to us
There are many stories: stories of love, stories of hope, and stories of courage. Stories with pages you want to read over and over again, and stories with pages that you want to tear out. All of them have the power to inspire.
All our stories
Wall murals – The stories behind the art
Art is a powerful and creative form of storytelling. We gave eight Absa L’Atelier artists (former winners and contestants) space on 156 walls across 32 townships in South Africa to tell their story, and they did this through eight original mural artworks.
The story behind Malebogo Molokoane’s art
This is the story of Malebogo Molokoane, Absa L’Atelier 2022 Gerard Sekoto Award winner. Her artwork “Failure is not final” tells the story of believing and of working hard to achieve your dreams.
The story behind Pebofatso Mokoena’s art
Pebofatso Mokoena, a former Absa L’Atelier entrant, created the mural titled “Everybody’s Circuit” to demonstrate the connectedness in the way people work, live and travel by roads. This is his story.
The story behind Jaco van Schalkwyk’s art
Inspired by an inkblot test, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Absa L’Atelier 2013 Merit Award winner, created a fragmented landscape titled “Nemesis” in his mural. His artwork encourages self-reflection on how we can reinvent ourselves in the face of adversity.
The story behind Heidi Mielke's art
Art is a language that transcends boundaries and breaks down barriers. Heidi Mielke, Absa L’Atelier 2012 Merit Award winner, showcases an ungovernable giant woman breaking free. Her story is told artfully through her mural titled “SHE”.
The story behind Michael Selekane’s art
Previous Absa L’Atelier artist Michael Selekane tackles the topic of migration in his mural titled “The Rail of Migration”. His story reflects on his own movements and the impact of the migration of people.
The story behind Abongile Sidzumo’s art
Mothers are often key supporting characters in the stories of our lives. Abongile Sidzumo, Absa L’Atelier 2021 Ambassador, reflects on how his mother inspired him and how her support influenced the artist he is today. Watch to learn more about the story behind his artwork “Dear Mama”.
The story behind Adelheid Frackiewicz’s art
Our teeth can tell a story. In her aptly titled mural “Teething”, Adelheid Frackiewicz (Von Maltitz), Absa L’Atelier 2021 Ambassador, explores the concept of teeth to demonstrate resilience through difficulties, trauma and loss.