An Archive of Upset : the Shift from Commissioning to Curating through South Africa’s Representations at the Bienal de São Paulo and the Interstitial Nexus of Leonard Tshehla Mohapi Matsoso

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nancy Isabel Dantas
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Fine Arts ◽  
African State ◽  
Art Museum ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Black South African ◽  
Colonial Authority ◽  
To Receive

This thesis explores the distinction between commissioning and curating, adopting the Bienal de São Paulo (or Bienal) as its conceptual propeller and point of departure. The thesis regards exhibitions as palimpsests, in other words, platforms built on previous conscious or sublimated models, beyond the Venetian model inaugurated in 1895. By looking at world expositions, particularly the Cape presence at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition of 1886, this project traces a lineage of commissioners, from Sir Henry Cole to Sydney Cowper through to the Director of the Pretoria Art Museum, Albert Werth. It distinguishes these men, their vision and allegiances from the curatorial model instantiated in South Africa by the late Okwui Enwezor as a consequence of the Second Johannesburg Biennale, held in 1997. The aim of this research has been to provide a partial but crucial account of this shift, and to remain attentive to the silences and deletions, to what happens in the interstice, at transitionary moments of ‘betweenness.’ I ask that readers consider the 1979 Bienal as an instance of an interstice where the occluded and silenced ghost of modernist artist Leonard Tshehla Mohapi Matsoso, who represented South Africa at the 1973 edition of the Bienal, garnering a substantial award for his work in drawing, resides. Matsoso was the first and only Black South African artist to receive this accolade. This thesis posits that Matsoso’s absence from the exhibition in 1979, an exhibition where he would rightly have featured, constitutes a curatorial haunting, wedged in the archive of the Bienal’s history, and an opportunity for revision and evaluation of commissioning vis-àvis curating. In reading the exhibition histories’ archive “along the grain” (Stoler 2002), the commissioner emerges as a man of letters, a privileged social category found in the archive; a colonial authority whose status was founded as much on his display of European learning as on his studied ignorance of local knowledge; an implementer of the taxonomic state and modernist art historical canon (in the case of Werth); a cultivator of the fine arts of deference, dissemblance and persuasion. At a later stage and moment of dissonance and disruption, the independent curator emerges to reconsider, question and expand the canon, distancing him/herself from the (South African) State to serve the artist or artists and a wider community. This research aims to contribute, albeit in a small way, to a reappraisal of the position of Leonard Tshehla Mohapi Matsoso in South African modernism, and the distinction between commissioning and curating.

The Socio-Economic Challenges of South African Indigenous Musicians: A Case Study of Venda-Based Vho-Ntshengedzeni Mamphodo

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N G Mugovhani ◽  
Lebogang Lance Nawa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Cultural Policy ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Arts Management ◽  
Black South African ◽  
Indigenous Music ◽  
Entire Country

This article discusses and raises awareness about the socio-economic plight of indigenous musicians in South Africa. Through a qualitative case study of the Venda musician, Vho-Talelani Andries Ntshengedzeni Mamphodo, dubbed the “Father of mbila music,” the article highlights the fact that the welfare of Black South African artists, particularly indigenous musicians in South Africa, is generally a precarious affair. Their popularity, at the height of their careers, sometimes masks shocking details of exploitation, neglect, and the poverty they are subjected to, which are exposed only after they have died. Empirical data identifies this as a symptom of, among other things, cultural policy and arts management deficiencies in the promotion of indigenous music. The article aims to find ways to redress this unfortunate situation, which is partially a product of general apathy and scant regard that these artists have perennially been subjected to, even by their own governments, as well as some members of their societies. All these factors mentioned are compounded by ignorance on the part of South African artists. Part of the objective of this study was to establish whether the exposition of the Vhavenda musicians is a typical example of all Black South African indigenous musicians and, if this is the case, whether the suggested ways to redress this unfortunate situation could contribute to or play a role in alleviating the plight of such artists in the entire country.

State, Myth, and Agency in the Construction of Chinese South African Identities, 1948–1994

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon Jung Park
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
African State ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Fourth Generation ◽  
Chinese History ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Chinese Descent ◽  
Racial Ethnic

AbstractBased on the author's PhD research, this article focuses on the fluid and contested nature of the identities — racial, ethnic, and national — of people of Chinese descent in South Africa in the apartheid and post-apartheid eras. The research focuses on the approximately 12,000-strong community of second-, third-, and fourth-generation South African-born Chinese South Africans. It reveals that Chinese South Africans played an active role in identity construction using Chinese history, myths and culture, albeit within the constraints established by apartheid. During the latter part of apartheid, movement up the socio-economic ladder and gradual social acceptance by white South Africa propelled them into nebulous, interstitial spaces; officially they remained “non-white” but increasingly they were viewed as “honorary whites.” During the late 1970s and 1980s, the South African state attempted to redefine Chinese as “white” but these attempts failed because Chinese South Africans were unwilling to sacrifice their unique ethnic identity, which helped them to survive the more dehumanizing aspects of life under apartheid.

Risk management factors contributing to transgressions in the procurement practices in South African SOEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindani Myeza ◽  
Naledi Nkhi ◽  
Warren Maroun
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
African State ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Executive Level

PurposeThe study aims to deepen the understanding of why risk management principles are circumvented, thereby contributing to transgressions in public procurement for South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs). A deeper understanding of why risk management principles are circumvented is especially important in South Africa, given the high social, economic and environmental risks to which national and major SOEs are exposed in the procurement process.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a qualitative design, based on detailed semi-structured interviews with 19 participants comprising management advisors, forensic investigators and auditors to explore why risk management principles are circumvented by South Africa SOEs.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that the tone that is set at political and executive level plays an important role in determining compliance with risk management principles by lower-level staff. Intense levels of political influence at SOEs are the main reason behind risk management systems being undermined.Originality/valueThe current study is one of the first explorations of why transgressions in public procurement continue to be evident despite risk management reforms being adopted by South Africa public sector. The research responds to the call for more studies on why reforms in South Africa public sector are not reducing transgression in public procurement. The study provides primary evidence on the importance of political and executive leadership in influencing the effectiveness of risk management reforms in the public sector.

scholarly journals The Studio in the School of Architecture and Urban Design of the University of Sao Paulo: the 1962 Reform and its contemporary issues

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliano Aparecido Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Fine Arts ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Architectural Practice ◽  
Architectural Production ◽  
The University

ENGLISHThe article presents and discusses an experience in Brazil on an architectural design method of teaching created by the School of Architecture and Urban Design of the University of Sao Paulo (FAU USP). We refer to a Pedagogical Reform proposed in 1962 and its consequences on the formation of Brazilian architects. Known as the 1962 Reform and having as its leader, in association with other professors, architect and professor João Batista Vilanova Artigas (1913-1985), the proposed new model for a method of project education ended up by being adopted, in some aspects, but not all, by the majority of Brazilian schools of architecture and urban design. The reform led by Vilanova Artigas proposed an overcoming of project teaching methods based either on the traditional model of architectural composition, by way of the School of Fine Arts, or on those for the formation of architect-engineers, by way of the Polytechnics. This new teaching method would be based on parameters for the comprehension of architectural practice, pointing to a generalist formation of the architect, thus instrumentalizing him to act within the various scales of architectural production: objects, buildings, cities and visual communication. In this context is manifested the intention for the creation of a University of Design, founded on the practice of investigation and studio research, thus overcoming the boundaries of a project scale in a school of architecture, limited between the realization of a building scale and, at most, of a city. To understand this generalist and plural outlook becomes a contribution to the discussion on the formation of contemporary architects and their awareness and instrumentalization for action before the complex professional demands of present day societies. PORTUGUÊSO artigo apresenta e discute uma experiência no Brasil de método e ensino de projeto de arquitetura, elaborado pela Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo, a FAU USP. Referimo-nos a uma Reforma Pedagógica proposta no ano de 1962 e as suas consequências à formação dos arquitetos brasileiros. Conhecida como a Reforma de 1962 e tendo como seu líder, associado a outros professores, o arquiteto e professor João Batista Vilanova Artigas (1913-1985), o novo modelo proposto de método de ensino de projeto passou a ser adotado, sob alguns aspectos, mas não todos, pela maior parte das Faculdades de Arquitetura e Urbanismo brasileiras. A reforma liderada por Vilanova Artigas propunha uma superação dos métodos de ensino de projeto baseados ou no modelo tradicional de composição de arquitetura, via Escolas de Belas Artes, ou então naqueles de formação de arquitetos-engenheiros, via Escolas Politécnicas. O método de ensino proposto iria se basear em novos parâmetros de compreensão da prática da arquitetura, apostando em uma formação generalista do arquiteto, instrumentalizando-o a atuar nas várias escalas de produção arquitetônica: objetos, edifícios, cidades e comunicação visual. Nesse contexto manifesta-se a intenção de criação de uma Universidade do Projeto, fundada na prática de investigação e na pesquisa do ateliê, superando assim o limite da escala de projeto de uma Faculdade de Arquitetura, limitada entre a realização da escala do edifício e, quando muito, da cidade. Compreender essa formação generalista e plural coloca-se como contribuição à discussão da formação do arquiteto contemporâneo e a sua sensibilização e instrumentalização para ação frente às complexas demandas profissionais das sociedades atuais.

scholarly journals What has the Constitutional Court Given Us? Afriforum v University of the Free State 2018 (4) BCLR 387 (CC)

Obiter ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mokgadi Margaret Mokgokong ◽  
Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Further Education ◽  
The State ◽  
Constitutional Court ◽  
Official Language ◽  
National Party ◽  
The Right ◽  
To Receive

The history of South Africa is an unpleasant one. It was a society based on racial segregation with the promotion of Afrikaner culture and the Afrikaans language above all other languages. This can be traced to the architect of apartheid, the Afrikaner National Party, which introduced apartheid. Afrikaans-speaking people, through the Afrikaner National Party, dominated South Africa politically. Their language too, was promoted above all other languages. For example, Afrikaans enjoyed more privileges than other languages in that it was used for drafting laws, as the language of record in the courts and was also the only compulsory subject for learning. The apartheid government, through its racial policies, used the Afrikaans language as a tool to control Black South Africans in almost all spheres of life, including education, which had to be undertaken in Afrikaans. It is therefore no surprise that there were five universities that offered education mainly in Afrikaans. These are Stellenbosch University, University of the Free State, University of Pretoria, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (now North-West University) and Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit (now University of Johannesburg). The use of the Afrikaans language as an instrument for social control was not sustainable. The new constitutional dispensation ushered in an era wherein respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms is at the top of the South African agenda. The right to further education is constitutionally recognised in section 29(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Section 29(2) of the Constitution further recognises and embraces the diversity of South African society and provides that “everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice in public education institutions where that education is reasonably practicable” (s 29(b) of the Constitution). The State has an obligation to take reasonable measures on a progressive basis to ensure that further education is available and accessible (s 29(1)(b) of the Constitution). In ensuring “effective access to and implementation” of the right to further education, It is notable that, in its endeavour to make further education available and accessible, the State is required to consider several factors such as language policies. In an effort to facilitate the realisation of the right to further education, the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997) was enacted in order inter alia to “redress past discrimination and ensure representivity and equal access to higher education institutions” (preamble to the Act).In the UFS case (CC), the Constitutional Court applied section 29(1)(b) of the Constitution, which provides for the right to further education and the “right to receive education in the official language or languages of [one’s] choice”. This note centres on this decision and seeks to critically discuss and analyse both the majority and minority decisions of the Constitutional Court. The question presented is whether the Constitutional Court has given the public a solution to the issue surrounding the use of either Afrikaans or English as a language medium of instruction in the higher education sector and what the effect of this has been on the development of other languages. The case note is divided into five sections. The facts of the case, the issues put before the court for consideration and the finding of the court are discussed in part 2. Part 3 contains an analysis of the minority and majority judgments. Part 4 considers whether the court has given us any solutions. Part 5 sets out the authors’ recommendations and their conclusions.

scholarly journals TRANSFORMATION OF GOVERNANCE IN STATE-OWNED COMPANIES: THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA AS A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 162-176
Author(s):  
Maphelo Malgas ◽  
Bonginkosi Wellington Zondi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
General Public ◽  
African State ◽  
South African Government ◽  
The South ◽  
African Government ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
The People ◽  
The Will

The basis of this article is an article published by Thomas (2012) whose objective was to track over a two-year period the performance of five strategic South African state-owned enterprises with regards to issues of governance. These enterprises were ESKOM, South African Airways (SAA), South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Telkom, and Transnet. The paper revealed that there were serious transgressions in these entities and recommendations were made to address these. The aim of this article therefore was to establish whether or not the transgressions reported by Thomas are still happening within these entities. The data was collected from the 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, and 2017/2018 financial reports of these entities. The study revealed that the transgressions are still taking place. With regards to issues of sustainability SAA and SABC continue to make loses, with SAA continuing to be bailed out by the South African government against the will of the South African general public. Fruitless and wasteful expenditure increased in all the five entities mentioned above and no serious action has been taken by the South African government to hold the people responsible accountable. While Telkom, Transnet and Eskom were making profits these profits are not at the envisaged level.

Claviceps africana. [Distribution map].

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Sorghum Bicolor ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Claviceps Africana ◽  
New Distribution

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Claviceps africana Freder., Mantle & De Milliano. Hosts: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Argentina, Australia, Queensland, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Goias, Minas, Gerais, Sao Paulo, Colombia, Ethiopia, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Thailand, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The Politics of Narcotic Medicines in Early Twentieth-Century South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 586-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thembisa Waetjen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Twentieth Century ◽  
South African ◽  
African State ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Boer War ◽  
Patent Medicines ◽  
British Occupation ◽  
Political Struggles ◽  
Parallel Streams

Summary Controls over trade and consumption of narcotic medicines emerged as both a concern and emblem of progressive governance around the turn of the twentieth century. This article traces political struggles over drugs regulation in the case of colonial South Africa. It focuses on two parallel streams of law-making by the British occupation regime in the Transvaal, following the Anglo-Boer war. Controversies over the availability of traditional ‘Dutch medicines’ to Boer farmers and prohibitions of certain patent medicines to African consumers were elements of, and contradictions within, the process of building a modern pharmaceutical economy. An influx to the region of new curatives coincided with the growth of vernacular newspapers as well as temperance campaigns. Working to nurture white national cohesion and support a mining industry premised on unskilled black labour, the South African state created race-based drugs controls. These developments proved significant to regulatory statecraft later in the century.

Revealing All? The Troubled Times of South Africa’s Diplomacy

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-349
Author(s):  
Peter Vale
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
African State ◽  
State System ◽  
International Setting ◽  
Representative Function

Summary This article reviews a trilogy of memoirs written by diplomats who served South Africa’s apartheid government. It explores the ‘communication’ versus ‘representative’ function of diplomacy and sets this in the context of a pariah state, as apartheid South Africa once was. It suggests that all diplomats who served under apartheid were complicit in that system. The article also looks towards the role that the idea of the international setting played in the formation of a southern African state system. This is viewed again the backdrop of Britain’s fading empire. This explains how South African diplomacy was cast in the imperial mode. The porousness of southern Africa’s borders is used to explain how diplomacy was used to reproduce states.

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