City of Tshwane and 21 Icons celebrate 20 Years Of Freedom
“This special four-day event pays tribute to many inspiring men and women who contributed to building a free and democratic South Africa Their life stories tells a story of how South Africa’s democracy came about. We will remain forever grateful for their selfless contribution,” said Ramokgopa.
He also added: “The hosting of the 21 Icons exhibition in Tshwane is a clear indication of our stance on becoming a capital city. Most of the featured icons have footprints in the city and it is only fitting for us to pay tribute to these founders of democracy.”
21 Icons is an annual project featuring South Africans who made an extraordinary contribution to the country. Acclaimed international photographer, filmmaker and founder of 21 Icons, Adrian Steirn, captures each icon in a unique portrait and short film. During the celebration, the icons will be brought to life in Tshwane through these portraits and films as well as essays and dramatisations. The line-up of events includes an interactive 21 Icons exhibition, a family day, screenings of the documentary A Journey to Democracy, photography and film workshops, and a charity auction.
The featured icons are Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu, Sophia Williams de Bruyn, Kumi Naidoo, Lillian Cingo, Nadine Gordimer, Ahmed Kathrada, George Bizos, Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, Helen Sebidi, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Gary Player, William Kentridge, Phillip Tobias, Evelina Tshabalala, John Kani, Zackie Achmat, Karel Benadie and Gcina Mhlope.
“It is such an honour for us that 21 Icons was chosen to kick off the capital city's 20 Years of Freedom celebrations,” says Adrian Steirn. “Madiba's legacy means so much to the country, but there are many who helped bring about South Africa’s freedom and their inspirational stories need to be told.”
Swati Dlamini, granddaughter of the late Nelson Mandela and spokesperson for 21 Icons, helped bring the event to fruition: “The celebration hosted by the City of Tshwane pays homage to my late grandfather and to all those who paved the way for our democracy. I am proud to be part of it.”
Tshwane residents are invited to obtain their tickets free of charge through Computicket from 1 April 2014 or at the City Hall box office from 7 April 2014. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. The City has earmarked several schools whose learners will be hosted at the City Hall. The City has also invited aspirant Tshwane photographers to participate in the photography and film workshops hosted by Adrian Steirn.
The City further aims to promote good citizenship, participatory democracy and cultural diversity. 21 Icons South Africa is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Nikon, and Deloitte, and is supported by the Department of Arts and Culture.
Event line-up
The City of Tshwane and 21 Icons – A 20 Years of Democracy Celebration
Exhibition
The exhibition will take place in the foyer and grand corridors of the City Hall and will include the full 21 Icons portrait collection, behind-the-scenes photographs, short films of each of the icons, and accompanying essays. Visitors will have an opportunity to interact with the icons through visual, audio and audiovisual exhibitions. The City Hall will be open to the public between 10 and 12 April 2014, from 9h00 to 19h00 daily
Documentary screenings
The 45-minute documentary, 21 Icons – A Journey to Democracy, will be screened throughout the four-day event. The public are invited to attend the screenings free of charge between 10 and 12 April 2014 from 10h00 to 18h00.
This special hour-long documentary featuring the icons creates a compelling and powerful picture of South Africa past and present — and where it needs to go, according to those who played major roles in forging its precious democracy. The documentary delves into the apartheid past and shares the stories of heartache that were created through living in exile, from Hugh Masekela’s fear of losing his language to John Kani’s pain and remorse at being physically so removed from the struggle back home. Though dotted with anger at times, the icons’ memories also throw up many moments of great humour and light-heartedness, and many share a palpable sense of wonder at how South Africa avoided a racial war and said yes to reconciliation and hope, and no to hatred and revenge.
Family day
A family day will be held on Saturday, 12 April 2014, from 9h00 to 15h00. Children will have an opportunity to learn about the founders of South Africa’s democracy through the exhibition and to spend time in a special play area where art activities will be hosted.
Photography and film workshops
The photography and film workshops were initiated to give Tshwane talent practical experience with acclaimed international photographer Adrian Steirn and his team. Two full-day workshops are scheduled for 10 and 11 April 2014. Topics include portrait photography, understanding light, planning a shoot, career guidance, and social media for photographers and filmmakers.
Charity auction
The much-anticipated 21 Icons South Africa charity auction will be hosted by the City of Tshwane. It aims to raise R10 million for charities nominated by each of the icons. The original signed portraits and several donated celebrity items will be auctioned by the formidable auctioneer Gift Ngwenya. The guest list is limited to 600. Among the charities that will receive donations are the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Greenpeace, Food and Trees for Africa, StarFish Foundation, the Princess of Africa Foundation, Saheti School, and the Gary Player Foundation.
Issued by: City of Tshwane
