David Hlongwane, born in 1963 in Zwelethemba, South Africa, has made a profound impact on art through his depiction of rural life and socio-political issues. Despite the adversities of apartheid, including personal tragedies and incarceration, Hlongwane pursued art, founding the Community Arts Project in 1984. He studied in Italy on a scholarship from 1988 to 1991, which refined his artistic style. Upon returning, he taught art to incarcerated minors, reflecting his own experiences. Hlongwane's versatile work includes bronze sculptures and paintings, with pieces like "The beginning and the end" highlighting his thematic exploration of life and death. His art, featured in places like The Cape Gallery, serves as both a cultural narrative and a social commentary, establishing him as a key figure in South African art for his blend of technical skill and activism.