UP celebrates Chief Albert Luthuli’s legacy through the arts

29 November 2021

The Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute (ALLI) at the University of Pretoria (UP) celebrated two  momentous   occasions on 20 November 2021. Firstly, the year 2021 marks 60 years since Chief Luthuli became the first African to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the non-violent struggle against apartheid.  Secondly, the Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership, now known as the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute, has been a bearer of his name for 10 years with its vision to ’reimagine leadership’.

The past 10 years have been a journey for the ALLI and the past 60 years a journey for the country, thus  this unique occasion took guests on a journey through the arts, for art speaks louder than words. From  visual arts to song and dance and critical discourse to tie it all together. According to Prof Derick de Jongh,  Director of the ALLI, “the arts provide not only a creative platform, but an emotional connection to the deeper elements of character, values, and intention. It facilitates reflection at a much deeper level, using the  freedom of expression as a means to safeguard ideas, legacies, opinions and the voices of many in a single art piece. Transformation and reflection are two key principles at the ALLI as transient caretakers of  Luthuli’s legacies.”

In his opening words, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tawana Kupe, highlighted the fact that Chief  Luthuli always celebrated the arts and as a teacher determined to bring education to the African population, he made sure that Zulu music and literature were included, through co-founding the Zulu Cultural and Language Society. “In his role as a chief, he would lead the dancing and singing at community festivals, and through this levelling media is still remembered as a ‘man of the people’,” said Prof Kupe. He also highlighted the intrinsic role of music throughout the history of South Africa and how art was intertwined into the struggle for freedom.

Elma Akob, Communications Intern at the ALLI and Programme Director during the celebration day, explained that through transdisciplinary collaborations by the UP faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Education and Humanities as well as the Javett Art Centre (Javett-UP), this event was a representation of what Chief Luthuli stood for: to engage collaborative human energy, human skill, and human talent in the service of peace. “We began the day with a riveting performance from the Marimba band and the mood of celebration ushered us into the day. We were also honoured to have two of Luthuli’s grandsons present at the event, and Nkululeko Luthuli narrated what he knew to be the life of his grandfather,” said Akob.

Among the art works on display were those of first-year art students who portrayed their interpretation of Chief Luthuli on paper. Natalie Fossey from the School of Arts and Gabi Ngcobo from the Javett-UP then drew the connection between the art and Luthuli, as guests walked through the grand ‘Handle with Care’ exhibition. The sounds of South African jazz invited all to the first-floor gallery, where guests were entertained by expressive contemporary dance that told a story. Prof Benda Hofmeyr from the Faculty of Humanities critically analysed the leadership style of Chief Luthuli through a philosophical reflection that encouraged the audience to be charismatic leaders. A panel discussion was next on the programme, bringing together history, art, leadership and justice. To end off a day of art and expressions, guests were graced by an unforgettable and emotional musical performance of struggle songs and the Christian national anthem that “filled our eyes with tears and brought us to our feet”, said Prof de Jongh.

Exhibitions on display throughout the event included works of third-year Art Education students, as organised by Delene Human, that spoke to humankind as a meaning of home in a dark and unjust world. We also express gratitude to Prof Lize Kriel from the school of arts for her generous support both financially and in other aspects of the day. Dr Raita Steyn shared the cross-border Banners for Freedom project in collaboration with Greek students with guests, which highlighted the intercontinental influence of art and collaboration, and lastly there was a de-aesthetic conversation facilitated by the Javett-UP. “The day was a bouquet of activities, a feast for the eyes and an inspiration for our minds,” as rightfully stated by Prof de Jongh.

You can watch the highlights below