Join Iziko Museums of South Africa online for the launch of the virtual exhibition, Enduring Covid-19
For media images and interview requests, please contact: Zikhona Jafta at mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
Saturday, 27 March 2021 marked the first anniversary of the start of South Africa’s lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In commemoration of this historic milestone, Iziko Museums of South Africa is launching a virtual exhibition, entitled Enduring Covid-19 on Saturday, 10 April 2021. Join Iziko Museums for the launch via Zoom from 10h00 until 12h00. Register to participate here: http://bit.ly/EnduringCovid-19_ZoomRegistration_10April.
Twenty-six years into South Africa’s still fragile constitutional democracy, a global pandemic breaks out, causing mayhem and uncertainty, not only for our nation but across the world. Millions are infected, and many more affected, leading to staggering loss of life and untold economic and social disruptions.
While South Africa was praised for its quick response to the Covid-19 crisis, the hard lockdown and the brutal and inhumane enforcement of its regulations turned the spotlight on inequality, racism and the systemic violence enacted against black people – painful reminders of the brutality of our near and distant past.
In reflecting on the many disruptions of the pandemic one year on, this exhibition: Enduring Covid-19 seeks to narrate the humanitarian responses, resilience, strength and fortitude of communities, individuals and faith-based organisations – illustrating how this pandemic not only exposed inequalities, but also brought together people of different races, cultures and classes.
Worldwide, but significantly in South Africa, Covid-19 presents unprecedented challenges to health systems, food security, the economy, education, tourism, and the social and psychological welfare of many people. This exhibition sets out to resonate with, and be relevant to, all South Africans as well as a global audience – because no matter who we are or where we live or what our circumstances are, we have all been affected by this pandemic.
Throughout this uncertain period, Iziko has been online and working to showcase our unique work and collections on the website. Visit www.iziko.org.za to explore all that we have on offer, and keep up-to-date on COVID19 safety protocols and opening hours. Make sure to also like, follow and share our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok!
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.
