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This self-taught designer from South Africa built a city in his backyard – from trash

3 min read

Good Stuff
Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni

Mulalo Nego Negondeni has built a miniature version of Johannesburg in his parents’ backyard from recycled materials, after falling in love with the design of the First National Bank (FNB) Stadium.

Recycled mini-Johannesburg made from upcycled trash

Mulalo Nego Negondeni, 26, from the Mukula village in Limpopo Province, South Africa has spent the past 13 years building a miniature version of Johannesburg—nicknamed Nego City—in his parents’ backyard using recycled materials. Mulalo shares his work on LinkedIn.

Mulalo decided to recreate the iconic stadium in his own backyard.
After not being able to visit the famous FNB stadium due to not being able to afford a ticket. Mulalo decided to recreate the iconic stadium in his own backyard. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
He spent 12 years using recycled materials to build this stadium! Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
After building his replica, Mulalo didn’t just stop there… He built a city! Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
Mulalo used mud and water to build his city at first then he started using waste materials such as wires, plastics, cardboard, fabric and cement.
Mini-Joburg Mulalo used mud and water to build his city at first then he started using waste materials such as wires, plastics, cardboard, fabric and cement. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
Negondeni was quoted saying “I’m trying to send a message out there all over the world that we must re-use waste materials instead of throwing everything away.”
His creativity turned into a message. Negondeni was quoted saying “I’m trying to send a message out there all over the world that we must re-use waste materials instead of throwing everything away.” Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
The city has been named “NegoCity” and while he wants to build more structures, space is becoming an issue. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
Mulalo’s work proves to the world that beautiful art can be made with the most unlikely materials. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
His work has caught the eye of a director in the design sector who has reached out to Mulalo. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
After hearing about his story FNB stadium helped realise Mulalo’s wish and after a 12 year wait he was invited along with his family for a tour of the stadium and to watch a live game.
Dreams come true! After hearing about his story FNB stadium helped realise Mulalo’s wish and after a 12 year wait he was invited along with his family for a tour of the stadium and to watch a live game. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
— Mulalo Nego Negondeni.
“Artists can use waste materials to create beautiful pieces especially here in Africa.” — Mulalo Nego Negondeni. Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
Source: LinkedIn/mulalo-nego-negondeni
Self-taught architect built mini-city from trash. Wow! This self-taught architect from South Africa built a city in his backyard - from trash. Source: Facebook/BrightVibes
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