The month of August, Women’s Month, is being celebrated through art and photography in historic Kliptown.
Soweto is full of surprises. Undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most culturally rich and diverse regions and home to over 3 million residents, Soweto is a hub of activity and creativity. ‘Kliptown has a long history with the arts and entertainment,†says Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, general manager of The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square.
‘The movement to position Kliptown as the artists’ mecca of Soweto is one that is gaining ground as we tap into the wealth of talent here,†continues Sangweni-Siddo. The campaign, Kliptown Artists Impact, will be celebrating women this August by using art and photography to stimulate dialogue with women. An installation titled Conversations with Women: Social Morals, will be the platform through which we honour and inspire women across all sectorsâ€.
The series of tours will kick off on Monday, August 9 with a photographic expose of Oom Bolo’s work. His photographs focus on women and will act as conversation starters for a discussion on social morals from the elders of Kliptown to the younger generation. The event includes a walking tour to Oom Bolo’s restaurant, a ”township breakfast”, participation in the discussion with local women and viewing of the photographs, a traditional lunch buffet at the Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square, followed by a shuttle tour to the Alf Kumalo Museum in Diepkloof.
There will be two more installations of the Conversations with Women: Social Morals on Saturday August 14 and Saturday August 21. All tours depart from The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square and cost R250 per person, including all meals and transfers (excluding drinks) and R450 per couple, including all meals and transfers (excluding drinks).
The Women’s Month celebrations will culminate with events held at The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square during the last weekend in August. Author of Soweto, Jodi Bieber and internationally renowned photographer and author Alf Kumalo will host a book signing on Friday August 27 between 6pm and 7pm. Guests will get a chance to enjoy the hotel’s infamous Kliptinis and have the opportunity to meet these inspiring individuals.
The book signing will be followed by a dinner titled Conversations with Women from Behind My Camera Lens which will give Alf Kumalo the opportunity to share his anecdotal stories of the various photographs he has taken of women over the years. His collection is legendary and includes some of South Africa’s renowned and little known activists, mothers, grandmothers, political figures, artists and performers. The cost of sitting with this leading photographer is R250 per person or R450 per couple and includes a 3-course dinner and live entertainment by Sidney Mnisi’s Trio.
The Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund will also participate in this celebration of women by hosting a continuation of Conversations with Women at The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square on August 28 from 2pm to 8pm.
‘We’re very excited about the events as it’s not just about exhibiting photographs and telling stories. It’s about empowering women and celebrating them in each and every role that they choose, whether it’s mother, wife, activist, entrepreneur, teacher or preacher,†concludes Sangweni-Siddo.
‘The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square is proud to partner in this initiative and will actively support the drive to position Kliptown as the home of the artistâ€.
The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square is one of Soweto’s first 4-star hotels. Catering for locals and visitors alike, the hotel offers delectable cuisine, luxurious accommodation and soulful jazz with a distinct cultural flavour, intermingled with contemporary flair. This gem instills a sense of pride and nostalgia, captured by renowned photographer, Alf Khumalo’s eclectic visual collection of jazz and historical memorabilia which form the backdrop of the hotel’s stylish interior décor.
For more information and to book, go the the hotel’s website or call 011 527 7300.