Second 21 Icons season launched

The second season will reveal more extraordinary stories about the nation’s global icons, and will continue to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

The annual collection of unique narrative portraits and short films by Steirn captures the essense of South Africans who, through their ingenuity and social contribution, embraced the transformative power of cohesion and the fostering of dignity to make a sustainable difference in the country.

The second season’s icons include Albie Sachs, appointed by Mandela in 1994 to serve as a judge on the Constitutional Court; Gift of the Givers Foundation founder Imtiaz Sooliman; Frene Ginwala, journalist and politician who was the first female, and longest-standing speaker of the National Assembly; former Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar; and Herman Mashaba, founder of the Black Like Me haircare brand.

The identities of the remaining icons will be revealed on a weekly basis.

“I’ve met many people whose stories are incredibly powerful,” said Steirn.

“It’s a true privilege to discover more about the human spirit and share these individuals’ personal accounts, their positive character traits and their propensity to influence and shape perceptions and transform societal norms for the better, impacting the communities around them.”

Through competitions, panel discussions and various activities, the season will relay the message that South Africa has an endless list of icons, and that everyone, regardless of race, creed or socio-economic standing, can act with integrity and make a positive impact on the world.

Season one’s portraits will be auctioned off later this year and the revenue generated will be donated to the icon’s charity of choice.

The second season will debut with Steirn’s short film about Sachs on 3 August, on SABC 3, at 8.27pm, and will run for 21 weeks.

Season one will run until 17 August at Moad (Museum of African Design), 281 Commissioner Street, Maboneng Precinct.