A visual arts and local market experience awaits residents of Galeshewe and surroundings in Kimberley with the Mayibuye Visual Arts and Heritage Experience.
This event takes place over 11 days, having started on Wednesday, 1 November, at the historic law office of late Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe at the Mayibuye Memorial Precinct.
It concludes on Saturday, 11 November, with a main event from 10:00 to 18:00, and entails a fun-filled township experience with food, fashion, music and the exhibition of local works of art, stated Joel Setlhabi, a director of the Teemaneng Arts and Tourism Organization and member of the Galeshewe Youth Network. The art exhibition, running for the 11 days, is hosted by Bokhutlo Makhale, a well-renowned local visual artist with more than 20 years’ experience as artist and writer, amongst other crafts.
“The art on exhibition is a team effort of the visual artists directed by Makhale. The artists also have their individual works and murals they have worked on,” said Setlhabi.
These artists are Makhale, Kgotso Mofokeng, Mosekiemang Kola, Thabo Bosman, Thataone Tawane, Tshepang Mothelesi, Kabelo Moses, Tshiamo Phiri and Kabo Mokwele. The murals depict the massacre of 8 November 1952 during the Mayibuye Uprising in Galeshewe, in which 13 people were shot and killed and 78 injured. This year marks its 71st anniversary. Connected to the Mayibuye Memorial Precinct are amongst others the Abantu Hall, the Matlalo Police Station, the first kindergarden, polio clinic, first barber shop and the No. 1 Beerhall. The area was earmarked for tourism and township economic development in 2006. The site has suffered vandalism due to lack of activity, security, management and community involvement.
Through this event an effort in the restoration of the township heritage and tourism facilities will be encouraged. The art project aims to create a platform for emerging visual artists, stimulating the township economy. Also, it aims to tell its history and heritage, and how to preserve these landmarks. Attendance is free. Visit Instagram @galesheweyouth or Teemaneng Arts and Tourism Organization on Facebook.
