Nelson Mandela visiting „Colours - Art from South Africa“ in the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, 1996, Photographer: William Strauch
Hugh Masekela, © Brett Rubin
Nozinja, © Chris Saunders
Our time to choose, „A Voter Education Comic Book“, produced by Matla Trust on behalf of the Independent Forum for Electoral Education
Otelo Burning, film still, Photo: Promo
Miners Shot Down, film still, Photo: Promo
Behind the Rainbow, film still, Photo: Promo
Layla Fourie, film still, © Pandora Film
Nelson Mandela: The Myth & Me, film still, © Guilio Biccari
Long Night’s Journey into Day, film still, Photo: Promo
Africa Shafted: Under One Roof, film still, Photo: Promo
Skoonheid (Beauty), film still, Photo: Promo

Aug 28–31, 2014

20 Years of Democracy in South Africa

Concerts, Films, Talks

Aug 28–31, 2014

In 2014, the Republic of South Africa celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first democratic elections. The end of apartheid gave millions of previously disenfranchised people a new life horizon. Haus der Kulturen der Welt and the South African Embassy celebrate this jubilee by hosting a critical appraisal of the developments since 1994.

Protagonists of the anti-apartheid movement such as jazz musician Hugh Masekela, author Njabulo S Ndebele or poet Antjie Krog appear alongside representatives of the new generation including filmmaker Khalo Matabane or Afro-futurist trendsetter Nozinja. Films and discussions examine not only the successes of the transition to democracy but also the challenges the country has to face: the wounds of the past, growing inequality, persistent social intolerance. As a “test case in democracy,” the analysis of South Africa also grants insights into the promises and challenges democratic societies worldwide have to come to terms with.