03 1
The Queens Issue
- A u g u s t / / S ep t em b er 201 5 -
- for the -
QU E E N S
OsbOrne macharia phOtOgraphy
contents
14
e d ito r’s n ot e | i s s u e 03 “... When we express the highest level of our gifting and purpose, we exude a beauty that inspires those around us. We salute the fiercely fearless queens...”
18
le bo mas h i le
*
A conversAtion conversation with the legendAry legendary lebo mAshile mashile
28
os bo r n e machar ia
a photo narrative | femininity
4
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
contents
co nt r i buto r s ruramai ‘rudo’ musekiwa Art Director | Editor in Chief kgomotso mamabolo PR | Media Liaison marvin phungula Photography osborne maCharia Cover & Photo Narrative
@
info@sibahle.com
W
www.sibahle.com
>> f o l low u s
Sibahle
@sibahleafrica
@sibahleafrica
Sibahle Magazine is published by SIBAHLE PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD. All Rights Reserved. COPYRIGHT ©
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
5
contents
38
an dy m kos i female mc, creative entrepreneur >> andisWa mkosi. the newly releaSed ep work & future endeavorS.
46
kg_dynam i c jo’burg bAsed photogrApher kAtlego monAgeng cAptures the beAuty of women.
58
luyan da pet e r
| cape town baSed change-driver |
6
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
contents
// photography
// queen feature
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
7
contents
co n h i ll
64
curator gaisang saThekge of conStitution hill ShareS on the reimagining of heritage.
www.constitutionhill.org.za
74
bo n g ez i we bongeziwe mAbAndlA a musician sharing his unique crafT WiTh The World.
80
10sto r i e s “the professionAl liver� @bezi_bee | 10StorieS - auguSt
8
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
contents
// heritage feature
// musiC
// tenstories | ordinary people, real stories
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
9
contents
84
be li n da ph o fu
88
bus i m q i n gwama
a young jewellery deSigner with a bright future ahead of her.
former legal adviSor & attorney iS running a new race.
vitAlity feAture
92
queens tribute art | for the QueenS view the QueenS ‘inStabition’ on Sibahle’S inStagram: @Sibahleafrica
10
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
e d i t o r ’ S n o t e
rudo
queen eDITOR’S NOTe
|
Q
the pillars of our society
uoting Lupita Nyong’o in her keynote address at the Massachusetts Conference For Women, she spoke about overcoming fear:
“I would like to speak to the dreams we have, the ones that make us feel most alive, a dream as a portal to your purpose...” Speaking about her journey leading up to embracing her purpose: “I had to unchain myself from indecision, I had to cut through fear (the fear of going after my dream), jump over my own ego and embrace my vulnerability” - There was no saving me from the agony of indecision until I stopped running away from myself and listened to myself. I took a time out, silenced the voices, stopped the chatter and really thought about what would make me happy It was so hard to admit that I wanted to be something so improbable, so impractical but deep down I was overjoyed because I was finally speaking the truth about what makes me feel most alive.”
14
SIbAHLe | ISSue 3 | Aug - Sep 2015
|
Fear is something we are all confronted with everyday. Fear is what the mass of women in 1956 fiercely defied to march against the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid regime. We seek out freedom in many forms; this is humanity’s common thread. Out of the comfort of the conventional, accepted norms, we must strive to express that which defines our existence individual purpose in the greater scheme of life, fight for our freedom as it were. I am inspired by women who have in the past and are today walking boldly in purpose and expressing the highest level of their gifting. It was an honour to sit with Lebo Mashile featured in this special issue; to have a candid, authentic conversation about her journey. Andiswa Mkosi (female MC/ Creative entrepreneur) and Luyanda Peter (Changedriver) are amongst the crop of young women making a visible impact on the creative landscape in Cape Town.
ns
editor’S note
Some of the thorns amongst the roses: kenyan photographer osborne macharia graces our cover with a powerful image that captures the essence of african women; powerful nurturers. his editorial photography selection is a narrative on different expressions of femininity. South african musician bongeziwe mabandla speaks about his musical journey and the queen he holds dearest to his heart. this one issue does not seem ample in capturing the value, the beauty, vibrancy and contributions of Queens across the continent and diaspora, from all walks of life - but it is an ode to women who know that it takes a rare courage to overcome fear. the beauty that radiates from a woman walking in purpose is undeniable. we will revisit this celebratory statement throughout Sibahle’s discourse. mama albertina Sisulu, mama winnie madikizela mandela, mama lillian ngoyi and many others who laid the foundation for the freedoms we now enjoy in South africa - we Salute you!
ruramai muSekiwa | founder & editor in chief
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
15
l e b o
m a S h i l e
phenomenal woman
le bO Mashile
Lebo Mashile is a phenomenal and visionary African woman whose prolific creative work has gained international acclaim over the years. She is a mother, poet, actress, activist, Television presenter, performance artist - an ever evolving creative force. I had the privilege of having a refreshing conversation with her about her journey, evolution and views on the new wave of creative activism.
w o r d S : r u r a m a i m u S e k i w a | p h o t o g r a p h y: m a r v i n p h u n g u l a
inSpiration
I’m a fIrm belIever In creatIves beIng custodIans of a new narratIve. there Is an emergIng generatIon of thInkers and Innovators who are collectIvely rewrItIng the afrIcan story. how do you vIew your role In the afrIcan narratIve, In thIs renaIssance?
i feel like my role is evolving... i love to write, i love making poetry live in different spaces, i love performing, i also have a heart that is naturally inclined towards issues that are related to social justice, identity issues, race issues, black consciousness and the way that creativity can be used to transform lives. i think for as long as these issues exist, my role and voice will remain relevant. tell us about the femInIst stockvel. what Is the overarchIng vIsIon and how do you see It takIng shape In the future?
So eight of us came together around the issue of hair. the media uses it as a polarizing issue. the conversations about hair become a gateway to talking about other issues such as identity, black female representation, the economic consequences of how you present your hair. one of our flagship events is the hair soirée, some of the discussions are very practical and others deeper conversations about texture discrimination and the socio-economic implications of natural hair. it’s wonderful to see echoes of the same self-care movement across the world. each-one-teach-one, women empowering women on how to take care of their natural hair. there are so many interesting dynamics when it comes to natural hair and one of the many events we’d like to host is for families, teaching them how to take care of their children’s hair. thIs women’s month, to the fore?
what do you feel needs to be brought
a friend of mine calls me the patron saint of women’s month [laughs], i work so much in women’s month! i feel that more can be done outside of what it’s come to represent; pink ribbons & flowers, quasi-motivational messages, these surface level platitudes which really amount to not very much. if the national gaze is on women for 31 days of the month, let’s talk about what we really go through, confront and address real issues and conversations about women being over-sexualised, just the schizophrenia of being a black woman in Sa; how you can maneuver through different spaces, corporate spaces, leadership yet still be abused in other spaces; how your personal choices in how you choose to present yourself have a direct impact on how you work, how you live… people lose their jobs based on how they look! we need conversations across the class divides, i’d love to see public dialogues with the hidden women on the fringes of society (eg. sex workers), the voices of the hidden women that we don’t acknowledge yet affect us on a daily basis; i’d like to see those voices amplified in women’s month.
20
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
inSpiration
i feel like My role is evolving -
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
21
inSpiration
our enlightenMent is going to necessitate the unraveling of the status quo.
22
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
inSpiration
what InspIres you about the current creatIve actIvIsm landscape and who do you feel are some of the current female revolutIonary voIces for progress and change?
i’m inspired by so many young movements, Sibahle for one is a beautiful movement. Seeing young black women innovating, the kind of ideation that young black women are expressing is inspiring because the value chain being built is directly linked to our context. this new wave of black consciousness, it’s exciting to see an era where marginalization of any form will not be tolerated. our enlightenment is going to necessitate the unravelling got the status quo, and the beauty is that, that is no longer a scary thing anymore. Some of the people i look up to in the creative, public and intellectual domain are: Zanele Muholi ; a relentless voice for her community and hers a bold assertion of herself, her convictions as a representative of her community and she’s insistent in making statements in the face of discrimination and discomfort. Pumla Gqola, Simphiwe Dana , Thandiswa Mazwai. Malaika Wa Azania - i find very interesting her fearlessness, you can’t box or predict her opinions. i can imagine that these women, in their own private corners, deal with the backlash of their boldness, yet they are solid in their convictions. i find that exciting. there’s also this new crop of young writers and thinkers, panashe chigumadzi, young poets as well: lebohang “nova” masango, mandi poefficient vundla and vuyelwa maluleke amongst others. i interviewed mme lillian dube the other week and she has been running her own race for a very long time and considering the life span of television careers, to see this vibrant 70 year old woman who is working hard, vocal about breast cancer and other issues; her position is quite singular. She doesn’t play by anyone’s rules.
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
23
inSpiration
going against the grain seems to be the key; if you are going to survive you must make the decision to opt out and then that’s when the validation, the accolades and the prosperity come in, because you are standing in your true self. we need to celebrate and talk about the women who took risks to be who they are, who created the framework we exist in. women like mama lillian ngoyi, mama winnie madikizela mandela; women who spent time away from their children to lay the foundation that we continue to build on. Current MainstreaM Media is a CoMpletely different playing field froM when you first started, do you feel that there is a spaCe that Can house the voiCes of resistanCe in our Context?
“The revolution 2.0” will exist in the digital space in these clusters and communities of loyal tribes/ followers who united around values, and who know where to look for what they want; people who have their own cultural reference points, who are disinvested in mainstream media. hopefully this means that in five to ten years time we’ll have smarter, happier people walking around. on the “real vs fake” debate…
the language of “Us VS Them”, “conscious vS chicken head”, “real vS fake” is slowly dissipating because to engage in the business of commerce is to be complicit or compromised to a large degree. you cannot say to someone “don’t sell out” because you’d be effectively telling them “don’t support your immediate family, and even in some cases the extended family (black tax notion). these are things we have to navigate around whilst being conscious.
24
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
inSpiration
going against the grain seeMs to be the key -
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
25
o S b o r n e m a c h a r i a
photography
photography
“maDigaga”
Osborne Macharia
28
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
29
photography
“nywele za kale”
Osborne Macharia
30
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
31
photography
“mascara”
Osborne Macharia
32
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
33
photography
“liyOmba”
Osborne Macharia
34
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
35
a n d y
m k o S i
women in hip hop
Q&a
38
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
Q&a
a m
andy mkosi mc, radio hoSt and creative entrepreneur andisWa mkosi iS Steadily making a name for herSelf through her creative endeavorS. not only haS She recently releaSed her debut ep, but She alSo co-ownS jam-that-SeSSion, an eventS and networking platform that promoteS creativeS of variouS diSciplineS. we have been following her work
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
39
Q&a
Your EP is finallY out and it is EPic! a raw, fEElgood, honEst ExPrEssion of Your storY. tEll us about thE journEY lEading uP to this? it has been a long one filled with a whole lot of learning and growth involved. there were points where i could have decided to give up and not finish it because as i got closer to the end line there seemed to be obstacles hovering. i am actually glad i took my time with this, there were a lot of pressures to put it out half heartedly,only because people around me were saying i am taking forever with it. it was definitely a joint effort from the designers,engineers and so on, one thing i strongly took away from it is that you cannot operate as an island.
who is andY mkosi?
it has been a long one filled with a whole lot of learning and growth involved. there were points where i could have decided to give up and not finish it because as i got closer to the end line there seemed to be obstacles hovering. i am actually glad i took my time with this, there were a lot of pressures to put it out half heartedly,only because people around me were saying i am taking forever with it. it was definitely a joint effort from the designers,engineers and so on, one thing i strongly took away from it is that you cannot operate as an island.
how do You viEw Your rolE as a fEmalE crEativE in thE grEatEr schEmE of things, in a world whErE rEalitiEs likE PatriarchY and discrimination Exist? as much as these are factors that exist and are detrimental i try by all means to not focus on them, i do not think these are the battle’s we need to be fighting but unfortunately it’s reality. So my role as a creative is to not prove anything to any male counterpart. i can only hope that the little i am doing can empower and shift perceptions.
40
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
Q&a
what is Your biggEr PicturE, what would You Envision for thE futurE? a lot of people do not know this but i have such a passion for the barber culture. the bigger picture is to own a barbershop ,where only females will be employed. i remember after high school i was so confused and broke and there was a barbershop on either ends of the complex i stayed at,one day i decided to approach one of the barbers and seek employment from him and he accepted me. So there i was shaving people’s heads day in and out with the little skill i had obtained from shaving my brothers hair at home. it was a therapeutic experience for me. So ideally in the future i want to share this exact skill with young women. i feel it has a strong source of empowerment. not only that but i feel this barbershop will allow for everything i stand for and do to exist in one space. my photography,jam that Session,my music and so on.
“
i try to learn and remain open to as much as i can
who/what has bEEn thE grEatEst influEncE on Your work? in terms people and influences i do not have a particular always and forever source,i try to learn and open up to as much as i can. So depending on where i am in life at that particular moment i will take from that.
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
41
Q&a
tEll us about jam that sEssion?
jam that Session is a company i founded with obie mavuso in 2012 at the time we wanted to create a space where we could perform and invite fellow artists to partake as well. now the vision is even bigger than us, we have grown from just being an open mic session to a platform and business that can work with any type of creative, you know what i mentioned earlier about no one can work as an island? jam that Session ties a lot of that in,where we open our doors to helping others get creative projects off the ground. we want to create alternative spaces where the artist and the consumer can interact. also the relationships we have with artists are not just to have them on our platform and forget about them but ours is ran everlasting one where you can still reach out for any sort of help or business from us. i foresee a lot of this wonderful company of ours.
which african womEn insPirE You?
my mother, Shado twala, obie mavuso and every woman who does not allow their circumstance define who they are or where they envision themselves one day
Being a woman is‌ ? ...
a position of multiple lovely roles.
42
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
Q&a
click here to listen to iPressUre
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
43
k g _ d y n a m i c
photography
photography
@KG_Dynamic
Katlego Monageng’s photography has an emotive intensity about it. In the spirit of celebrating our queens, here are some of his portraits reflecting an appreciation of beauty and femininity.
<< follow @kg_dynAmic on instAgrAm >>
46
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
47
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
48
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
49
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
50
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
51
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
52
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
53
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
54
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
photography
@KG_Dynamic Photography // Johannesburg, South Africa
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
55
l u y a n d a p e t e r
change driver
perSpec tiveS
58
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
perspec tives
Luyan da Pe t er change-driver | Cape town, south afriCa
Cape Town - based change-driver come
How do You view Your role as an african woman in tHe greater scHeme of tHe african narrative?
social commentator Luyanda Peter is passionate about a broad spectrum of things
including creative dialogue/
activism and women empowerment. She is active in various spaces in the creative scene in Cape Town including radio, hosting
events
and
conceptualising
creative outreach initiatives.
The divine timing of this profile, although I almost played small in doing it - (lessons learnt), is that I am currently in the process of curating/planning a female-orientated symposium for 2016. 2014 presented a lifetimes worth of learning about myself spiritually, mentally and physically- enlightened by my first boyfriend/girlfriend relationship in 6 years. Being wholly naked to somebody on those 3 realms, and having to be open to that personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective teaches You whole lot about Yourself, The other person and both Your mutual context in Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
PhOTO: hJvdM
understanding of humanity(namely peace and expectation)- things that friends, family or media cannot teach You about Yourself. This relationship taught me a lot about myself, both positively and negatively (or so it felt then) and lead me to wonder how other females relate to their bodies as vessels of energy in a world where females are constantly being defined by males and everything else but themselves, from the outside in. As complimentary as it may seem to be regarded as perfect, the fact of the matter is that females are occupants of this world too, who also eat, drink and breathe to exist and are also prone to making mistakes and are in this space to learn and grow as well and
SIBAhle | ISSue 3 | Aug - Sep 2015
59
perSpec tiveS are worthy of respect as individuals. and so the
through each other in that way- spiritually, mentally
honesty of the human climate, is that we should
and ultimately physically.
not be forced to live up to the unwritten obligation of being ‘Superwoman’ all day and every day of our
in the words of one of my favourite and leading
existence- unless we want to.
humans, talib kweli, “knowledge of self is like life after death…knowledge of self, determination.”
regardless of being portals of birth and being
So, how the african narrative comes to life in
considered nurturers, female well-being and
this way, only time will tell. my role in it, in the
lifestyles are ever-dictated to us; “She’s wifey
meantime, is to keep being me and the best me
material”, “She wears too much make up”, “Long
for me- with respect of those around me and my
skirts are dignified”, “She is sexy/beautiful/pretty/
environment, and in doing so hopefully awaken a
ho-ish”, “She’s too aggressive” and a very silly but
voice of progression, and brighten up and broaden
loud example I’ve personally dealt, numerous times,
a genuine narrative of respect, truth, honesty and
with is “Are You lesbian? Because I haven’t seen You
peace.
with a man in a long time but You’re always with this friend”. [Sigh]
- these, among many things, i’d be happy to discuss and learn about.
So all the superficial static aside, what i hope to achieve with the symposium, is to allow females a space to block out all the noise and zone in on themselves holistically, in panel conversations with health practitioners (including gynaecologists, physicians, nutritionists etc.) and spiritual thought leaders. this being inspired by how some females have no access to these key knowledge sources, that helps us understand a lot of who we are, how we function and more importantly treat ourselves as optimally as we should to be the best people and/or Superwomen we can be- especially in the african context. “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.” – chimamanda adichie ngozi, “we should all be feminists” it is definitely time for females to look within themselves and take ownership and glory for all the beauty we’ve been groomed to modestly/mutedly own and possess. i think a lot of the answers to some the world’s biggest and crucial issues lie in being aware and listening to each otherand being open to learning, without judgement, 60
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
peRSpeC TIveS
“. . . A n d s o t h e h o n e s t y o f t h e h u m A n c l i m At e , i s t h At w e s h o u l d not be forced to live up to the unwritten o b l i g At i o n o f b e i n g ‘ s u p e r w o m A n ’ A l l d Ay A n d e v e r y d Ay o f o u r existence- unless we w A n t t o . . .”
SIbAhle | ISSue 3 | Aug - Sep 2015
61
c o n s t i t u t i o n h i l l
pa s t a n d p r e s e n t
Words: R. Musekiwa
heritage f eature
| Constitution Hill |
reimagined Curator - Gaisang Sathekge’s vast portfolio includes working as a Visual Arts teacher at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, acquiring her MA degree and curating some of the most memorable shows in the Jo’burg art scene. Currently a curator at Constitution Hill, a national heritage site in the Johannesburg CBD, she shares her fascination with reimagined spaces. The relationship between past and present is a love-hate one when it comes to this former fort & prison that has a lingering melancholy hanging over it. Men and women were dehumanised in the couryards, the prison cells, the concealed spaces... Today, however, this very space houses contemporary creative expressions that speak of today’s woes, struggles, perspectives of postdemocratic South Africa. In this very space where traces of hatred remain, a new generation enjoys freedoms some could never fathom, the gifted ones sing, dance, exchange banter, empowering ideas, and create a new context for the present past, this symbol of yesteryear and a new heritage.
64
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
65
heritage f eature
heritage feature
Constitution Hill is a spaCe tHat today Houses stark Contrasts between yesteryear and tHe Contemporary. desCribe your fasCination witH tHe relationsHip / dynamiC between past and present. constitution hill is certainly one of johannesburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most significant historical landmark - a landmark layered with pain, bloodshed, injustice and brutality. this is where some of the worst atrocities in the history of apartheid South africa took place. the fort forces us to remember what we attempt to negate, however the ghosts that lurk in the isolation cells and hover over us as we go on guided tours through the site, remind us of our sordid past. it is not painful aspect of constitution hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage that fascinates me - rather the opportunity of hope the site offers . i am interested in how contemporary art can be used as a tool to deconstruct the negative space and how, we can use the same building blocks to renegotiate and rebuild the past into something more positive and hopeful. i am intrigues by the element of chance of what could possibly transpire when young contemporary voices are allowed the platform to reimagine and reinterpret their place in history. wHat struCk you most initially wHen exploring tHe spaCe as a new Curator? the richness of the history - how the emptiness and unutilized spaces were able to bring a haunting nostalgia over me. wHat Has been your most memorable projeCt tHus far? most definitely the first basha uhuru freedom fest, launched in 2013. a youth festival aimed at honoring the youth that vehemently and courageously fought for the freedom of expression that we enjoy today as young people. wHat do you Hope to aCHieve in future in terms of defining a new Heritage witHin tHis spaCe? i envisage museum spaces that do not merely archive history and regurgitate the past, but most importantly allow for individual pathways of expressions; museum spaces that make teaching and learning of history relevant to now and heritage spaces that celebrate contemporary voices. i hope for museum curricula that are dynamic and malleable in nature - allowing for critical and multiple interpretations and engagement. history, so far, has been written and officiated for us. i call for stories that are written by us for us.
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
67
heritage f eature
as a woman Celebrating national women’s montH in sa, wHat do you feel needs to be HigHligHted? as a young black woman, i question whether my voice is as relevant as those voices that rallied for the liberation of women in 1956. am i making enough noise to transform the way society still marginalizes women, especially within the creative industry. the arts are still male-dominated and not enough female voices are heard. wHiCH Contemporary female Creatives do you feel are making bold statements and are pusHing tHe envelope? the fact that i paused and thought about the answer is a sure sign that there is a lack of females who are breaking ground as far as the arts are concerned. we need more thandiswa mazwai’s, mary Sibande’s and nandipha mntambo’s to break the stereotypes that frame women artists. fatima meer was not only a detainee at Con Hill, but a praCtiCing artist. wHat intrigues you about Her story and are wHat otHer stories stand out for you from tHe women’s seCtion at Constitution Hill? i respect and honor fatima’s meer’s inner protest that she demonstrated through painting while she was detained. her detainment unleashed a creativity which has left us with the only record we have of the history of prison life in at the women’s gaol. the paintings are really the only visual traces of memory we have in our archives. there is daisy de melke, a white female ex-prisoner who was held at the prison while awaiting her sentence. She was a murderer and yet she was imprisoned with great iconic figures such as mme winnie mandela and mme albertina Sisulu. daisy’s living conditions in the jail was far better than those of black political prisoners.
Pivotal events in South African History are linked to Constitution Hill. Countless political activists were imprisoned in the Constitution Hill Prison Complex.
1956
Many of the 156 treason trialists, including Nelson Mandela, Albert Luthuli, Joe Slovo, ZK Mathews, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Helen Joseph, Moses Kotane, Lillian Ngoyi and Ruth First, were imprisoned in the Old Fort, the Awaiting Trial Block and the Women’s Jail.
68
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
heritage feature
do you tHink it is possible to reimagine symbols of a past era? How do you see tHat taking sHape? contemporary art is a powerful tool to reimagine any nation’s past. as young people , we are at more liberty to creatively express our thoughts and the arts are a weapon to freely make a noise and social commentary without running the risk of arrest and police brutality. yes, there was the case of “the Spear”, however even with that particular incident, we were allowed a platform to criticize and question the actions of government. wHat is your bigger piCture? How do you view your role as an afriCan woman in tHe greater sCHeme of tHings, in our Context? to fight, from the platform that i’ve been afforded, for the role of and respect for the arts in South africa. and , as an african woman, my role is to keep defying societal norms and stereotypes that set out to dictate my trajectory. as african women, we need to and must find ourselves seated at the table where important decisions of the world are made.
1976
Students were detained during the Soweto Uprising as well as leaders of organizations
including Fatima Meer, Winne Madikizela-Mandela, Nomakhaya ‘Kayo’ Ethel Mafuna,
Oshadi Mangena-Phakathi, Nikiwe Deborah Matshoba, Mapitso Lolo Tabane, Cecilie Palmer, Vesta Smith, Joyce Piliso Seroke, Jeannie Noel, Sally Motlana, Sibongile Kubeka.
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
69
herStory
| g u A | 09
6 5 19
On the 9th of August 1956, one of the most historic events in the struggle for freedom and women’s rights in South Africa, took place right here in Pretoria. It was on this day that more than 20 000 women of different races marched to the Union Buildings to deliver petitions to the then-Prime Minister, JG Strijdom, against the carrying of passes by women. They chanted “Wathinta abafazi, wathinta imbokodo” (you strike a woman, you strike a rock).
excerpt from the petition preSented to prime miniSter jg Strijdom on 9 auguSt 1956: we are women from every part of South africa. we are women of every race, we come from the cities and the towns, from the reserves and the villages. we come as women united in our purpose to save the african women from the degradation of passes… in the name of women of South africa, we say to you, each one of us, african, european, indian, coloured, that we are opposed to the pass system. we voters and voteless, call upon your government not to issue passes to african women. we shall not rest until all pass laws and all forms of permits restricting our freedom have been abolished. We shall not rest until we have won for our children their fundamental rights of freedom, justice, and security.
70 70
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
herStory
Photo Source: Umuzi.org
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
71
m u S i c
bongeziwe mabandla
muSic
74
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
muSic
bOngeziwe mabanDla
a
musician with a raw, unpretentious sound,
Bongeziwe Mabandla gets lost in the world he creates with each lyric and strum
of his guitar, momentarily reconnecting
to his audience as he narrates the stories each of his rich
songs tell. “I think I’m a folk musician, I feel Soul, I have a deep love for Maskandi, I am an aspirant Hip hop Head and ultimately, this all forms the nuances in my sound. I am
driven by an idealistic view of Africa and that is in essence the definition of my genre of music. It’s ever- evolving...
Everytime I hear something, I’m like - I should include that feel into my sound. I’m trying to take more risks with my sound, trying to not be stuck on one specific sound so it has changed. “Sorry for the Change” is an apt title for my current musical space.
Photography: Thina Zibi
| performance video |
click here Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
75
muSic
We’ve followed your musical journey and it’s been amazing to see your growth within sa and beyond our borders. describe your journey?
august is women’s month, what is your view on the significance of african women/role played by african women?
Its been crazy with a lot of ups and downs but I have come to realize that my journey is mine and will naturally be different to others.
You know I was brought up by my mother. She’s the smartest, kindest, most beautiful person I know. I look at her and think: what would have happened to me if you were not there fighting for me?
Your first album umlilo has been well-received on an international scale. is your next album a fairly consistent flow into a similar feel/sound? what can we expect? This new Album is very different from my old work. I looked at a lot of options to record and worked with a couple of producers to finally get the sound. I let my work be ripped apart and now I’m finally recording and hopefully going to come up with something special. I feel special making the music.
which artists do you draw inspiration from? Now I would say I have matured selection. I want to listen to more truthful and positive music. I listen to a lot of different music but I don’t force things. I jam to whatever moves me. Right now I’m into Sonlittle. I can listen to this guy sing for hours, he’s amazing. There’s an almost perfect feeling I get from induldging in his sound. I got a chance to meet him and hear him live now I’m like a huge fan.
Your most memorable collaboration? Joss Stone. She is kind and and a total joy to hang around. I did not believe her at first but I think she really likes my stuff which is wonderful, because i really love her music. We’re always talking about doing a song together and I’m hoping we’re gonna put it together real soon. how would you define your genre of music and how does it continue to evolve? Genres are limiting these days. I listen to so many different kinds of music especially as I see more of the world. I think I’m a folk musician, I feel Soul, I have a deep love for Maskandi, I am an aspirant Hip hop Head and ultimately, this all forms the nuances in my sound. I am driven by an idealistic view of Africa and that is in essence the definition of my genre of music. It’s ever- evolving... Everytime I hear something I’m like - I should include that feel into my sound. I’m trying to take more risks with my sound, trying to not be stuck on one specific sound so it has changed. “Sorry for the Change” is an apt title for my current musical space.
76
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
i lOOk at her anD think, what wOulD have happeneD tO me if yOu were nOt there fighting fOr me? -
Photography: Thina Zibi
muSic
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
77
1 0 S t o r i e S
bezi
10StorieS
bezi JohAnnesbuRg | zA | pRoFessionAL LiveR |
@bezi_bee
#RunningLikeAFugitive
My story is simple: I check my pulse in the morning and I count my blessings. Then I go. The idea is to live in the moment - this shouldn’t be confused with living dangerously. No, I’m no escapist. I face my roadblocks head on, with tissue in hand if I need to. I figure that Pain also teaches and she cultivates, it is Fear I’m running from. It is Fear that used to be my master.
before, i used to subscribe to things and people that let me stay in one spot. i served years driving in a circle (to and from work) but my dreams were far from there, just the pacifying of fear... one day i said, “enough of that illusion!” that’s why i quit the ad agency life and i’ve just sold my car. i wont end up a could-have-been like some of our parents. Since the freeing, the universe has heard me, i have unlocked opportunities to reconnect with real life and to take my art on a real journey. there’s so much of myself i’d parked on the curb. fear wanted me to love him only. he taught me to expand my cv over my life, what to dream and how. i’d neglected the brilliant capabilities of my mind - my greatest asset. when i realised that, i said no more leasing my mind out under master-slave terms known as a**-licking!
80
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
10StorieS
i don’t wAnt my obituARy to sAy ‘she wAs A gReAt ARt diRectoR At Agency X’
i’m grown now, fear can’t fool me with crass allures such as rent, free friday parties, paid trips to loerie awards, ‘being cool’ while being creative-directed on how to dream. now, i wake up really alive (not because an alarm told me so) and ready to think up new dreams. i don’t want to wait ‘til the age of 65, i think that’s unnatural. i don’t want my obituary to say ‘she was a great art director at agency x ‘or ‘she took this photo’. no, that is not coming with me to the grave, i want to live for a living. right now. oh, and since some minds are reading this, here’s a small suggestion from a sister: if you’ve got nothing to be brave or grateful for right now, check your pulse, then blast damian marley’s count your blessings - you have to sing along or read along googled lyrics (skip nas’ featuring narcisism tho). when done, name your own blessings and draft a serious exit strategy out of any comfort boxes. one love!
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
81
b e l i n d a p h o f u
siic
creative feature
siic
Photography: Negritude Republic 84
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
creative feature
Belinda Phofu is a driven young woman following her passion relentlessly. She’s definitely a creative to look out for.
m
y name is Belinda Phofu, I’m 21 and I’m a creative entrepreneur / alternative jewellery designer.
siic,which stands for style is incalculable, is an alternative jewellery brand that was founded by myself in 2012. i began making jewellery in 2012, which was the year i had to take a gap year because my mother couldn’t afford to send me to varsity. making jewellery for me at the time was something i was doing just to keep me busy. it was only i noticed that there was a demand for my products that i decided to establish a brand. i went for the name siic because that’s what people would always say whenever they would see my jewelery. i really loved the ring that the word had to it and so i decided to use it as my brand’s name. i just wanted it to have meaning, which is where ‘Style is incalculable’ came from. my approach when making my jewelery is basically taking mundane every day objects and turning them into creative jewellery pieces … siic is unique in the sense that it’s an alternative jewellery brand. siic is also a brand that is believes that art is a culture and that is about preserving and growing that culture. as well as using that culture to tell stories. i’ve also curated my own exhibition, called “art is currency” and it is aimed at promoting the collaboration between jewelery and art as well as offering other artists a platform to showcase their work and grow in their craft.
www.styleisincalculable.tumblr.com Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
85
r u n n i n g f o r l i f e
the runnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store
vitality
88
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
vitality
running >> for
life
busi mqingwana is an advocate for good health
Busi Mqingwana is the sole owner of The Runner’s Store. This 30 year old health fanatic fell in love with running after seeing the positive effects that it had on her when taking it up in 2008. On Saturday morning you are likely to find her at the starting line of a race in and around Pretoria. Professionally, Busi Mqiwana was employed as a Senior Legal Advisor at the South African Bureau of Standards. She is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. Her educational qualifications include a Master’s degree in Constitutional Law and a Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Law. Her day-to-day work involved commercial law such as drafting and reviewing contracts as well as advising on supply chain management matters. Her last working day at the SABS was on 15 August 2014, in preparation for taking up the position of Store Manager and the day to day running of the Store. The Runner’s Store launched on the 5th of September 2014, and is located at the heart of Pretoria CBD. The store targets all runners from beginners to pros, as well registered running clubs located within the Pretoria Central, North, West and Old East areas. The idea behind The Runner’s Store is to offer customers a wide range of running gear and accessories not typically found in the large chain stores that currently dominate in and around the store’s location.
click to view website Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
89
Q u e e n S
tribute art
QueenS
92
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- maya angelOu -
d av a n d r e w // d i g i ta l i l l u S t r at i o n
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
93
QueenS
94
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- untitleD -
S a k h i l e c e b e k h u l u |/ m i x e d m e d i a
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
95
QueenS
96
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- brenDa fassie -
t h e l at e b r e n d a fa S S i e b y l u n g i l e m b o k a n e
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
97
QueenS
98
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- untitleD -
k at l e g o kg a b a l e // d i g i ta l i l l u S t r at i o n
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
99
QueenS
100
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- mama -
l u n g i l e m b o k a n e // m i x e d m e d i a
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
101
QueenS
102
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- sfazana -
t h a b i S o m o l e d i // d i g i ta l i l l u S t r at i o n
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
103
QueenS
104
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- untitleD -
d a l i g a g a // d i g i ta l i l l u S t r at i o n
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
105
QueenS
106
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- pearl thusi -
t e d d y m u l a l o // d i g i ta l i l l u S t r at i o n
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
107
QueenS
108
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- untitleD -
t r u e j o n e S // p h o t o g r a p h y
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
109
QueenS
110
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
QueenS
- untitleD-
m o e k e t S i l e b a k e n g // d i g i ta l i l l u S t r at i o n
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
111
Illustration: Lungile Mbokane 112
Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
- phenOmenal wOman Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees.
Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud.
I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, The palm of my hand, The need of my care, ‘Cause I’m a woman
Men themselves have wondered What they see in me.
Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
maya angelou Sibahle | iSSue 3 | aug - Sep 2015
113