UNIVERSITY of KwaZulu-Natal School of Architecture alumnus, Paul Mikula, was honoured at the start of the UKZN Autumn Graduations with an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the cultural life of Durban.
Mikula is the architect behind several important buildings in Durban: He is the architect who designed Durban’s BAT Centre; he has also designed museums, such as the Vukani Museum; he was a major player in a reconstruction project that changed the landscape of Austerville in Durban and was part of the team who were instrumental in designing Moses Mabhida Stadium, to name a few.
Mikula is the director of various foundations and a music and art centre, as well as a trustee to development and arts trusts. He also draws, paints, writes and is a long-time curator and collector of artefacts. He is the founder and is now the managing trustee of the Phansi uBuntuArtMuseum, a Durban gem and one of South Africa’s most unique and special places to visit and enjoy, learn, play and celebrate art, culture and life in.
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Mikula says he started the Phansi Museum to connect people with their history and help piece together the story of African history that has long been left out of the history books. “We bring children from schools here to the Phansi Museum and have a library that allows children to not only see the artefacts but learn about the history of the artefacts. We answer any questions that their enquiring minds may have, and the main goal is to ensure that this history is never forgotten.”
Speaking of the honour he received from the university he graduated from in 1967, he said, “I was felt honoured to receive the doctorate and was able to give a speech to the youngsters there – it is defi nitely a moment I’ll remember forever. At the Phansi Museum, our aim is to pass on valuable information to the next generation, and that is exactly what the university aims to do, as well. And seeing so many bright young people about to begin their lives as qualified South Africans, I think the future of the country is in good hands.” An exhibition of Mikula’s work, life and various projects is on display at the Phansi Museum, located on Esther Roberts Road in Glenwood.
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