On the Frontline opened at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory in Houghton on 7 May, following a day-long dialogue on xenophobia with representatives from academic institutions, think tanks and the media.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation stated that the exhibition coincides with the lead-up to Africa day on 25 May, and emphasised that it was also timely as it reminded South Africans of their indebtedness to the people from neighbouring countries who supported the anti-apartheid struggle.
The exhibition, curated by Ingrid Sinclair and Simon Bright, is a collection of photographs taken in the decades leading up to the end of apartheid. It illustrates the carnage left behind by the apartheid government’s armed forces, and simultaneously shows the resilience and resistance of the people affected.
The frontline states were neighbouring African countries which, towards the end of apartheid, offered support, shelter and assistance to people in the struggle. As a result, they were subject to frequent military operations by the South African Defence Force (SADF).
Sinclair indicated that it was her intention to focus on the people affected, noting it was often the civilians from neighbouring countries of slender means and little choice who often bore the weight of the political decisions made by their governments which supported the liberation struggle.
She stated that photographs are powerful as they are evidence of what happened. “Although words can explain why and how, it is the pictures that can reach out and touch us… still photos take us straight there [to what happened]… it doesn’t numb us [from what happened],” said Sinclair.
She said that most South Africans during apartheid knew that the SADF was running operations in neighbouring countries, and some of the photos in the exhibition showed the aftermath of those attacks.
Sinclair, who lived in Zimbabwe at the time, noted that she had personally seen things from a frontline point of view.
“I am telling the story of an onslaught against whole countries that were invaded, occupied [and] destabilised, countries impoverished and corrupted by the destruction of vital resources…. all caused by apartheid South Africa,” she said.
“I hope that it will suggest to all who see it that instead of offering violence [to people who come from neighbouring African countries], they should be saying thank you.”
Sinclair emphasised that the exhibition has a broader function – to reach people in government, schools and townships.
She said she saw the photographs as a plea for generosity and solidarity across all borders, and noted that it was a reminder of the sacrifice made by the frontline states.
Disclaimer: Some photos in the exhibition are graphic in nature, it is advised that children must be under adult supervision.
What do you think of the new On the Frontlines exhibition? Comment below, and let Rosebank Killarney Gazette know.
