Internationally celebrated visual artists, sponsors and organisations collaborate to host orphaned and abandoned children for an exclusive “Love on a Plate” dinner, with art, storytelling and music as backdrop to the overall experience.
- Initiated and curated by specialist ‘Art & Design’ company, The FINISHING Touch Group, the “Love on a Plate” initiative is a celebration of love, art, music and storytelling with orphaned and abandoned children.
- The event marked the official launch of the first annual “Love on a Plate” charity initiative with the aim to both close off February, the month of love, as well as to start the year 2025 on an impactful note.
- Launch event held on Friday, 28 February at ‘art exhibition space’ sponsor, The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre in Linksfield North, Johannesburg
The Finishing Touch Group (Pty) Ltd, has teamed up with internationally celebrated visual artists, Art by Thabiso Dakamela and Semi Lubisi Arts, as well as young and upcoming visual artists, Sidie Tlapu and Simelane M Arts to produce “art pieces with a purpose” in partnership with orphaned children from Fountain of Love Orphanage and Breakthrough Centre, two non-profit organisations (NPO’s) based in Katlehong, in the East Rand.
Leading up to the “Love on a Plate” dinner experience on Friday, 28 February, some of the children who are inclined to visual arts got to spend time at the Rivonia art studio of Art by Thabiso Dakamela where they were given an opportunity to partake in the painting process as a way to give the art piece The(ir)FINISHING Touch! “The goal was to ignite hope in these children. With this idea, we wanted them to see themselves as future professional visual artists despite their unfortunate backgrounds. The final art pieces from all four visual artists, which were officially revealed and showcased as part of the 28th February dinner experience, are now up for sale to the public. An agreed % profit sharing with the artists will make it possible to provide ongoing “Love on a Plate” meals through the partner NPO’s,” said Unity Kgongoana, founder of The FINISHING Touch group and the visionary behind the initiative.
The “Love on a Plate,” a three-course meal enjoyed by over 20 guests, was sponsored by many individual sponsors and organisations across South Africa, some from as far as the United Kingdom, who were all touched by this initiative when it was promoted on social media platforms. Individual sponsor, Kefilwe Tone said, I was drawn to the initiative because it involved children, our future generation. I also thought it was unique and new as it’s something I have never seen done before.” Pastor Poelano Malema of Incorruptible Seed Church in Midrand, Johannesburg said, “ Sponsoring the ‘Love on A Plate’ allowed us to plant seeds that will bear fruits for generations to come because changing one person’s life is changing a generation.”
Following some peaceful rain drops which cleared 30 minutes before the start of the event, leaving the sky adorned with a beautiful rainbow, guests including the “VIP’s or celebrities of the evening” (the children hosted) took their seats at ‘the table of love’ to enjoy “more than just a dinner but a moment of affirmation for the young children, reminding them that they are valued, seen, and supported. The experience was truly heart-warming, and we are grateful to have been part of a movement that not only nourishes but also inspires hope and creativity in the lives of these children,” said Programme Director, Zodwa Latola of Break-Through Centre.
A shared vision to create meaningful opportunities for children from vulnerable backgrounds:
“Break-Through Centre partnered with The FINISHING Touch Group for the ‘Love on a Plate’ initiative because we share a common vision—creating meaningful opportunities for children from vulnerable backgrounds to experience joy, care, and artistic expression,” Zodwa added.
Prophetic Artist, Sidie Tlapu from Rustenburg in North-West said, “I had never imagined my art impacting others in this way by giving back. If my art could play a role without losing its essence, which is to glorify God, I knew I had to be part of it. I also sensed servitude and sacrifice from the heart of the founder.”
An initiative that combines creative energies and transforms everyday moment into extraordinary celebrations
Mncedisi Simelane (Simelane M Arts), self-taught visual artist from Pongola in Kwa-Zulu Natal said he “chose to partner on the “Love on a plate” initiative because it embodies a unique blend of creativity, community, and passion that truly resonates with me. The event focus wasn’t just about food and art; it’s shared experience that brings people together. I believe that when we combine our creative energies, we create a platform that not only celebrates innovation but also inspires genuine connection and heartfelt storytelling.”
Fostering community engagement to inspire and make a difference:
“As someone from the township myself, I understand firsthand the struggles faced by people from the township where resources are limited. It is through gestures like these that we get to inspire or make a difference in these children’s lives and I am honoured to have been able to assist where I could,” said Semi Lubisi, a renowned self-taught visual artist from Ivory Park Township in East Rand who specialising in art work that is characterized by the dominance of township ambience, which reflects the connection the artist has for his neighbourhood.
Mncedisi Simelane (Simelane M Arts), added, “partnering with the Finishing Touch Group was an easy decision because it aligns perfectly with my values of nurturing creativity, embracing diversity, and fostering community engagement. By joining forces, I am excited to contribute to an event that transforms everyday moment into extraordinary celebrations of art, love, and life.”
“Let’s all hold hands today and push for such agendas with open hearts,” ~ Thabiso Dakamela:
“Being a part of the ‘Love on a Plate’ experience was refreshing because I can relate to some of the experiences that our “VIP guests” have. As someone who has so much faith in the next generation, it is a pleasure to extend a helping hand to contribute towards building a better future for those coming after us. I would encourage that we all hold hands today and push for such agendas with open hearts. Because in that lies the core of humanity and love is therefore personified!” said Thabiso Dakamela.
“Seeing the children enjoy a delicious, well-prepared “Love on a plate” was incredibly heartwarming. Moments like these remind us of the power of kindness and community, and we are truly grateful for your support. Beyond just providing food, the sponsor’s generosity made our children feel loved and valued, gave them an experience they will cherish,” said Mama Rosy, founder of Fountain of Love Orphanage.
About The FINISHING Touch Group
At The FINISHING Touch, our vision is to create unique lifestyle experiences that inspire and evoke emotions through bespoke art, décor and experiential events, transforming any space that we design for our individual and corporate clients into a beautiful haven that spark conversations that linger. We are a luxury lifestyle emporium offering discerning clients a service experience that is characterised by ‘servantship,’ and carried through our brand promise statement, “… it is something brand new, something unheard of” and values – CommUNITY, Excellence, Passion and Quality.
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