South African graphic designer and illustrator David Tshabalala is one of five artists who are part of a collaboration with Converse to create customised sneakers. The aim is to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, under the brand’s The Unity Campaign.

Tshabalala, also known as “Slaying Goliath”, has had a penchant for drawing since childhood, a gift that’s seen him become a celebrated young designer at the Bookmark Awards and a feature on the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans list. 

For this collaborative series, Converse approached Tshabalala, an opportunity he couldn’t refuse, as he loves the brand’s ability to transcend racial, ethnic, class and gender lines...