Media images and interview requests and enquiries, please contact:
Zikhona Jafta 021 481 3838 or email mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
Iziko Museums of South Africa will celebrate, commemorate and connect the youth of the city this weekend with several events and activities planned. A tribute to the [unsung] heroes of the 1976 student uprisings in the Western Cape, a new exhibition, Aluta Continua, will be launched at the Iziko Slave Lodge. The exhibition seeks to tell the unknown stories surrounding the uprisings – documenting the Western Cape events that followed, right through until 1994.
Youth Day on Sunday, 16 June 2019 will be commemorated with *free entry to selected Iziko Museums, these include the Iziko South African Museum; the Iziko South African National Gallery; the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum; and the Iziko Maritime Centre – located at the V&A Waterfront. Exhibitions at these museums provide visitors with the opportunity to challenge and investigate institutional narratives through the exploration of previously inexpressible histories – those of which that have now been foregrounded.
Exhibitions highlighting these untold histories include: at the Iziko South African National Gallery, A Resilient Visionary: Poetic Expressions of David Koloane – homage to South African visual artist, David Koloane, and his role in developing the local art scene both during and after apartheid; Filling in the Gaps – an exhibition displaying the Museum’s recent art acquisitions, and especially those that attempt to ‘fill the gaps’ in its collection; as well as Tribute – an exhibition, aligned to the national Visual Arts curriculum, taking on a thematic approach, and covering topics such as gender issues, post 1994 democratic identity in South Africa, and socio-political art – including resistance art of the 70s and 80s. At the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, The Effendis of 71 Wale Street honours the lives of the Effendi family, who formerly lived in the house that now serves as the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum – telling the family’s stories of life before the forced removals.
Closed on Youth Day, the Iziko Slave Lodge will be open to the public on Monday, 17 June and with free entry to those attending and participating in the Youth Day Workshop. The programme will begin at 10h00 with a tour the Iziko Slave Lodge, discovering themes of youth and liberation. Following this, there will be a facilitated discussion about the future and current challenges youth in South Africa face. The programme will conclude at 14:00.
Enquiries and RSVPs can be directed to RSVP to Zenande Oupa via email zoupa@iziko.org.za 021 481 3929
This commemorative day, born from the June 16 Soweto uprisings, comes as both a celebration of the rights of all citizens and as a solemn remembrance of those who suffered to secure them.
*Excludes free entry to the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome; Castle of Good Hope;
Groot Constantia; and museums closed on Sundays.
ENDS
Issued by: Ellen Agnew
Communications Coordinator: Iziko Museums of South Africa
Telephone: 021 481 3830 Email: eagnew@iziko.org.za
Website: www.iziko.org.za
Issued on behalf of the Office of the CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa
About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)
Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection‑specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums), Instagram (@izikomuseumssa) or follow us on Twitter (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.
