The powerful images in the exhibition represent the mood seen in the demonstrations that took place at the South African Embassy in The Hague in 1963, as well as other peeks at the happenings before the rise and eventual fall of the apartheid regime.
The exhibition retells the story of when the ruling Nationalist Party in South Africa declared apartheid as the legislated policy for the country in 1948. As time progressed, Dutch citizens became more and more disenchanted and felt the need to demonstrate their solidarity with the oppressed majority in South Africa.
Support for the struggle against apartheid became a national objective in the Netherlands in the late ’80s. Nelson Mandela’s visit to the Netherlands in 1990 shortly after his release was in acknowledgement of the Dutch position against apartheid.
“The role of Dutch artists in their fight against apartheid is well documented. Post-1994, the solidarity of Dutch artists with South Africa has resulted into meaningful partnerships showcased by several mutual cultural exchanges between our two nations,” said Ismail Mahomed, the artistic director of the National Arts Festival.
Signs of Solidarity is a moving testimony of Dutch support for South Africans in their fight against apartheid and comes to South Africa as the country celebrates 20 years of democracy.
The exhibition is on from 8 to 30 September and can be viewed in Senate House of the University of the Witwatersrand between 8am and 7pm. The same exhibition will move to Freedom Park during October and will tour South Africa in for the remainder of the year, as well as next year.
Details: pre-pcm@minbuza.nl
