Lethu Foundation launch of the book "Walking tall without Fear: 24 South
African Artists from the Struggle Era", Constitution Hill, Johannesburg
9 May 2007
Professor Ramphele, Chair of Ifa Lethu
Ms Ramdhani, CEO of Ifa Lethu
Good evening to you all. Professor Ramphele and Ms Ramdhani, thank you for
inviting me.
It is not every day that I come to Constitution Hill.
It is certainly one of my cherished memories to have taken part in shaping
our constitution in parliament.
"Walking tall without fear" is a resonant title for a book that rightly
deserves to be launched here on Constitution Hill. The title comes from the
words of President Mandela's inaugural address as President in 1994:
"We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South
Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without fear in
their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignityâ¦"
We have, in thirteen years of freedom, done much to transform our country so
that all of us are able to walk tall in the eyes of our fellow citizens and in
the eyes of many throughout the world.
"A picture is worth a thousand words" is a saying that is appropriate in the
context of this launch. We tend to rely on very complex and formal ways of
telling our story. The creation behind this book frees authors and artists to
think beyond formal representation of history.
There are many great stories still to be told in South Africa in a range of
mediums. Stories of pain, heroic actions, immense sacrifice. The joy of freedom
and the complexity of a society reborn all compel those with the artistry of
words, images and music to act. The stories are exciting because of their
variety and it is this variety that makes the work of Ifa Lethu an exciting
timely intervention.
There are rogues of history writing that need to be challenged thus those
who help us to 'learn to see' as John Berger said are key actors in building
understanding.
And that is why this book is so important for our children. The book teaches
us how to see the struggle through art. That is what this book does.
South African artists played a major role in the struggle against apartheid.
Many artworks created during the period of the struggle were removed from the
country for various reasons, stolen for safekeeping, for protection, for sale.
The Ifa Lethu Foundation should be thanked for restoring this work for us. As
should the Australian diplomats, Dianne Johnstone and Bruce Haigh.
This book provides a unique glimpse into the lives of South African artists
who lived through our countryâs most turbulent years, but also experienced many
of her most uplifting moments. Their art illustrates the world of apartheid in
unique ways.
Out teachers in schools throughout the country can learn from this book.
Most of them learned how to see in community art centres or schools. Some of
them had their talents recognized at school by a teacher. Art is an important
element in our curriculum, but too often it is regarded as an add-on or an
extra-mural activity.
The book is an important addition to the art heritage of our country.
Walking Tall Without Fear appears shortly after the publication last year of
Revisions: Expanding the Narrative of South African Art edited by Hayden Proud.
It is part of a wider movement to ensure that art is valued for itself and as a
component of the historical record.
Issued by: Department of Education
9 May 2007
