Young talent at DCAS balancing books in finance and the brush at home
The hidden artistic talent flourishing in DCAS finance
By day, Ameen Mustapha works diligently within the Office of the CFO, navigating the world of financial management as a PAY intern at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). But beyond spreadsheets and financial reports lies another side to him - one shaped by colour, creativity and a deep desire to honour a cherished family legacy.
For this young finance professional, art has always been more than a hobby. It is part of who he is.
Ameen is a self-taught artist, he traces the roots of his passion back to his grandfather, an artist whose influence continues to guide him even after his recent passing.
"My grandpa has been my main inspiration," he says. "I received my talent from him. He was an artist himself, and now I want to carry on his legacy."
His artistic influences are wide-ranging, drawing inspiration from realism, naturalism and abstract art. However, his own work leans strongly towards realism, often inviting viewers to connect with the story embedded within each piece.
"My artistic style would be mixed media," he explains. "I have used various techniques such as oil paint, oil pastels, acrylic, pencil colours, and paper with masking tape. When I create an artwork, I make the visual artwork be its meaning in the sense that it would be easier for a person to convey the meaning of it. Some of my artworks require more critical thinking."
That passion and talent led to one of the proudest moments of his artistic journey: exhibiting his work at the prestigious Zeitz MOCAA.
"When I had my artwork put up for an exhibition at Zeitz MOCAA, I was beyond proud and excited that I got such an opportunity to create something and have it displayed in a well-known art museum. It's every young artist's dream."
Determined to make the most of the opportunity, he challenged himself to step outside of his comfort zone. "Going into the exhibition, I promised myself to push my boundaries and skills and create something I have never done before. Zeitz MOCAA opened my mind to new and different ways of doing art, expanding and developing my skills while building a community within the exhibition."
Among the many pieces he has created, two stand out as deeply personal milestones. The first was his final practical artwork in Matric, an intimate reflection of who he was at the time and the person he aspired to become.
The second was the sculpture he created for the exhibition themed Area Codes Against the Grain.
"It heavily resembles my area code and how the perspective of my area reflects me," he says. While the worlds of finance and fine arts may seem vastly different, he has found a way to thrive in both.
"I have found my way into the Office of the CFO, especially in a financial management position, to be a complete contrast to arts," he reflects. "The way I balance my role is by putting my work first but not losing my creativity. When I get home, I usually look at my art supplies or artworks I have done, and it gives me motivation to continue my artistic practices."
He credits the support of those around him for encouraging him to pursue both paths wholeheartedly. "Both my mentor and the CFO have given me the motivation to never give up on my dreams of being an artist, and they are the reason for how I found my way here."
His story is a reminder that talent often exists beyond job titles and office walls. Within DCAS, employees and interns bring with them a wealth of passions, experiences and creativity that enrich not only the workplace but also the communities they serve.
As he continues building a career in finance while nurturing his artistic ambitions, one thing remains clear: carrying forward his grandfather's legacy is not just a dream, it is a promise he honours with every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every new creative challenge he embraces.