We held our breath, and then the winner of Sasol New Signatures is Juandré van Eck 

An Honours student from the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition for his ceramic piece titled Cycles of the mind. 

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

We all congregated at the Pretoria Art Museum on Wednesday, 3, September 2025, to witness top talent being recognised. Not even the searing heat discouraged us. We looked forward to this important art event on the South African art talent.

Moments before the names of the winners were announced, and that is the ultimate winner, the runner up and the five Merit Award winners as per tradition of the Sasol New Signatures contest, the tension in the room was so thin and heavy it could be felt.

Even as speeches were made prior to the announcement, we all wanted those speeches to end as soon as possible so that we knew as soon as possible who was judged the best out of the hundreds of artists who took part in this competition, open to all the nine provinces of the country, and pretty much open to any age, with the exception of those that have enjoyed a solo exhibition.

And then the wait ended. Professor Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairman of Sasol New Signatures was ready to announce, first the five Merit Award winners, who each went home with a cool amount of money (R10 000) as well for their effort.

After the five Merit Award winners were announced, he went straight to the runner up. We were by this time worked up, ready to applause the ultimate winner.

Juandré van Eck (25), an Honours student from the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition for his ceramic piece titled Cycles of the mind. Van Eck, a merit winner in 2024, takes home a cash prize of R100 000 and an opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026. 

In his statement about his work, Van Eck explains: “The ceramic artwork emulates the rhythmic patterns of breath. Two whistles positioned on opposite sides “speak”,  one a cry of liberation and joy, the other a low, gentle echo of contemplation and unseen turmoil. Water, the essence of life, gives life to this artwork, offering it a voice through its gentle flow from one state to the next. It provides comfort and the promise that even in the darkest moment, hope can rise, a whisper becoming a triumphant cry of defiance”.

“When people interact with my work, I hope it creates a calming environment that speaks to the inner child, allowing for a sense of play in a world that often feels overwhelming. I envision my pieces being used in meditation classes or as a tool to connect people with nature, promoting mindfulness and presence. Even if it’s just for a moment, I hope my work can help calm the mind and encourage people to be in the moment,” said Van Eck. 

Thabo Treasure Mofokeng (39) from Johannesburg, a merit winner in 2023, was announced as the runner-up for his painting Still Standing and receives R25 000. The work was inspired by the resilience and courage of his neighbour, who, despite being paralysed by a gunshot wound, radiates a spirit like gold. His determination to live life to the fullest, without letting physical disability define him, is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for strength and adaptability. “This piece is a tribute to my neighbour’s inspiring spirit and a celebration of the human capacity for resilience, hope, and determination,” added Mofokeng.

This year saw a total of 903 entries submitted at eight collection points across South Africa, with 106 works selected to advance to the final round of judging and to appear in the 2025 exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum.

Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition, commented on the extensive judging process: “It was an enormous privilege to engage with and listen to the greatest collection of art minds during the regional and final judging rounds. These esteemed judges, whose roles in the visual arts ecosystem range from practicing artists and curators to academics, auctioneers, arts administrators, and gallerists, do not merely select or reject artworks for awards; their efforts as adjudicators are actively shaping the now and tomorrow of South African art practice.”

Sasol has proudly sponsored the competition for the past 35 years, providing emerging South African artists with a platform to express their unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creative expression.

“In 2025, as Sasol celebrates 75 years of pioneering innovation, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to creativity, progress, and the power of new ideas through our sponsorship of the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition. This milestone is not only a celebration of our legacy in science and technology but also a tribute to the transformative role of the arts in shaping society. In this special anniversary year, we celebrate not only the artists who dare to see the world differently, but also the shared spirit of innovation that unites us all,” said Christian Herrmann, Sasol Executive Vice President: Marketing and Sales, Energy and Chemicals, Southern Africa.

 “More and more emerging artists are creating artworks that demand to be experienced beyond purely visual and cognitive dimensions. This is certainly the case with this year’s winning work. Van Eck’s ceramic sculpture invites viewers to touch, hold, and gently move the delicately manufactured object. This activates the piece’s acoustic qualities, creating a beautifully eerie mood and allowing the audience to connect with the object beyond the boundaries of visual perception. This approach echoes last year’s winner, Miné Kleynhans, whose first solo exhibition, Augury After Autogogues, explores the body and emotions, compelling audiences to feel the artwork both literally and spiritually,” commented Sidogi. 

Augury After Autogogues features interactive sculptural works, many created using new processes and mediums for the artist, such as welding, steelwork, and 3D printing. Through a series of imaginative installations and invented devices, the exhibition introduces the concept of the “Autogogue”, a self-styled oracle who seeks meaning through intuition, emotion, and personal interpretation.

“Our deepest appreciation goes to the Association of Arts Pretoria for their unwavering dedication and hard work, as well as to our partners, the City of Tshwane, the Pretoria Art Museum, and Stuttaford Van Lines, for their steadfast and loyal support. Together, we continue to champion the vibrant artistic talent that defines our nation. To all the artists who supported the competition by submitting works, thank you for contributing to the legacy of Sasol New Signatures. Congratulations to the winners, your names will forever be part of the history of this competition,” concluded Herrmann.

The Sasol New Signatures exhibition, featuring the work of the 2025 winners and finalists, will take place at the Pretoria Art Museum (corner of Francis Baard and Wessels Street, Arcadia Park, Pretoria) from 4 September to Sunday, 2 November 2025. 

The five Merit Award winners receive R10 000 each, and they are (in alphabetical order):

Tammy Lee Baikie (48) – Johannesburg

Book worms, 2025

Mixed media

Rebecca Louise (Beck) Glass (22) – Pretoria

Sell – Fish

Etching

Snelihle Asanda Maphumulo (22)- Gqeberha

Ngaphansi kwesithunzi sakhe (under His Shadow)

Sheep hide on canvas

Vian Mervyn Roos (35) – Pretoria

2916

Cotton Thread

Sarah Volker (23) – Gqeberha

Taut, tethered and torn

Ballet tights, stones and cement blocks

Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00; closed on Mondays and public holidays.

All finalists’ works are included in the competition catalogue, available online. The exhibition can also be viewed virtually via the website.