SOUTH Africa is known for its cultural diversity, an environment which promotes the growth of artists and galleries that merge western and African influences. Showcasing this diversity are ten top South African galleries. These galleries have become an influential force in contemporary art in South Africa. They host both emerging and well-established artists and very often participate in a number of international art fairs. They also bring the works of a number of international artists to South Africa and some offer a range of educational art classes. By way of example, the Fried Contemporary, in association with the University of Pretoria, offers courses for new trainees to the more experienced. The Stellenbosch Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery sponsors artists’ entry into biennale’s – and this year three artists attended the 53rd Venice Biennale. The galleries inspire artists and audiences alike and include:
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
