South Africa

July 2006

  
African artists experience xenophobia, (Daily News, 2006-07-14):-The life of an artist is never easy - they will always find themselves caught between the struggle of expression and paying the bills. Recent instability in neighbouring countries has seen a huge influx of people from all around Africa. Artists are finding their way to the sunny shores of Durban and with a great increase in xenophobia, this doesn't make their plight any easier. Nicky Chovu Chovu, a 30-year-old painter currently residing in Warwick Junction, reluctantly recalled a trip to Johannesburg. "I was put in a camp called Lindela, in Krugersdorp just outside of Johannesburg because my temporary passport had expired. "Every day we had to wake up at 5am, have porridge, then sit around until our next meal at 5pm. After 21 days, I travelled by train to the Zimbabwean border with my head between my legs." He's now in South Africa legally and came here to sell his art and study animation. The Bat Centre, situated near Victorian Embankment on the Durban harbour, has always been a phenomenal resource for budding sculptors, painters and musicians. Manuel Mangue has his own studio at the Kauleza Gallery at the Bat Centre. He is 41 years old and left his native country Mozambique close to 30 years ago because of the war. "When I first arrived in South Africa, I was afraid to sleep." Mozambique became independent in 1975 under the Frelimo government. According to Mangue, Samora Machel (president at time) put a vaccine on young people's arms so they could be identified in other parts of the world. "I burnt the vaccine with an iron so the police wouldn't catch me. They were suspicious, but I told them it was from their police dogs." He struggled to sell his art, so Mangue got into construction and shoe repairs to make ends meet. "In 1986 I discovered myself," and his art career began. However, only in 2000 did he become a full-time artist because of the support from his wife who ran his shoe repair business. "Business is slow and I have to feed my children, but it's a lot better than it used to be. I think it's important to become recognised locally and internationally."Manuel is a permanent resident in South Africa and has a South African ID that states that he is from Mozambique. He's fluent in six languages: Portuguese, Zulu, Shanane, Sotho, English and Congolese. John Losaka left the Democratic Republic of Congo around five years ago because of war and political instability. He is an artist involved in social issues and has been instrumental in setting up Vuka Africa, a non-governmental, non-political organisation. The concept is mainly focused around forming a union of influential Africans (African Traditional Leaders union) which includes both monarchs and presidents. Other aims include achieving stability in Africa, showing empathy to people with HIV and Aids and setting up platforms where people can share skills. Losaka relies on government contracts and has also set up his own company called African Art Collection and Framing. His workshop is also situated at the Bat Centre. Zimbabwean artists are starting to make a name for themselves around the Florida Road area in Durban. One Zimbabwean artist who decided to steer away from the competition of the trendy Durban streets is Farai Sibanda, aged 30. He can be found any given day (unless it's raining) selling paintings and wire ornaments outside Davenport Centre in Glenwood. He originally left his home when his father became involved in opposition politics, and was killed as a result. He moved to Harare and was targeted, so he was forced to leave. He has been involved in many professions and completed a six-month course in sales. "I will go back to my homeland if the situation improves," said Sibanda.  
South African Migration Project (SAMP) - Queen's University - http://www.queensu.ca/samp