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The South African
19-05-2025
- The South African
The four most beautiful museums in South Africa
South Africa isn't short on history, art, and culture – and its museums reflect all three in striking form. Whether nestled in nature, steeped in struggle, or brimming with contemporary flair, these four beautiful museums stand out not only for their collections but for the sheer beauty of their spaces. Take a look… Housed in a repurposed grain silo at the V&A Waterfront, Zeitz MOCAA is a work of art in itself. The architectural transformation by Thomas Heatherwick turned an industrial relic into a cathedral of modern African creativity. The honeycombed atrium, sculpted from concrete tubes, is as jaw-dropping as the rotating exhibitions inside. With over 100 galleries dedicated to contemporary African art, this is the continent's most ambitious modern museum. Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town. Image: Wikimedia Commons. The Apartheid Museum tells one of South Africa's hardest stories with haunting clarity. Its design pulls no punches – visitors are literally separated by race upon entry, immediately immersing them in the reality of apartheid. The architecture is stark, with steel bars, raw concrete, and deep shadows reflecting the oppression it documents. But the impact is powerful, the narrative gripping, and the space totally unforgettable. A must-visit. Segregated entrance at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Image: Wikimedia Commons Set against the backdrop of the Steenberg mountains and surrounded by indigenous gardens, the Norval Foundation is where art and nature meet. This sleek, contemporary and beautiful museum focuses on 20th- and 21st-century South African visual art. Floor-to-ceiling windows, quiet walkways, and outdoor sculptures create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. Norval Foundation in Cape Town. Image: Wikimedia Commons. Located in the historic Company's Garden, the Iziko South African Museum is a blend of colonial-era architecture and deep natural history. Inside, you'll find everything from massive whale skeletons to ancient fossils. The museum's old-world charm, domed ceilings, and classic columns contrast with the cutting-edge science of its exhibits. Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town. Image: Wikimedia Commons. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
6 movie and TV filming locations in SA you can visit in real life
South Africa has quietly become one of the world's go-to filming locations. With its breathtaking landscapes, modern infrastructure, and versatile terrain, it's no wonder major film and TV productions keep setting up camp here. But the best part? Many of the places you've seen on screen are open to the public. Here are six filming locations across South Africa that you can actually visit… Cape Town is South Africa's crown jewel when it comes to film production. The city and its surroundings have doubled for 18th-century Caribbean ports, modern African capitals, and even alien planets! The most iconic example is Black Sails , the pirate drama shot primarily at Cape Town Film Studios. The massive sets included full-size pirate ships and detailed colonial forts. While the sets aren't always open to the public, you can visit nearby filming locations like Hout Bay, Simon's Town, and Table Mountain, which have featured in everything from Blood Diamond to Safe House . The Drakensberg range is as dramatic as it gets – jagged cliffs, green valleys, and misty peaks. These ancient mountains stood in for the jungles of the Congo in The Legend of Tarzan (2016) and have appeared in period action series like Warrior . The sweeping shots of wilderness are no CGI trick. That raw, untamed beauty is real – and it's waiting for you to hike, climb, or simply stare up in awe. Neill Blomkamp's District 9 didn't shy away from showing Johannesburg's gritty urban sprawl. The film used real neighbourhoods, scrapyards, and townships to build its sci-fi refugee zones. The visual impact was unforgettable, but so was the social commentary – rooted in real South African history. You won't find alien spacecraft hovering over the city, but you can explore the culture-rich neighbourhoods that gave the film its pulse. While you're there, be sure to visit Maboneng Precinct for local art, food, and design, and stop by the Apartheid Museum for essential context. The lush, forested landscapes of The Giver (2014) were filmed in Tsitsikamma, a jewel along South Africa's Garden Route. The film's dreamlike setting was no fantasy – this coastal forest is real and teeming with life. With towering trees, dramatic river gorges, and suspension bridges over crashing waves, it's one of the most cinematic spots you can experience with your own eyes. Roland Emmerich's prehistoric epic 10,000 BC used the Cederberg Mountains to portray a wild and ancient world. Though the movie's accuracy is questionable, the scenery is spot-on. The Cederberg's orange rock formations, open desert spaces, and ancient San rock art sites give it an otherworldly feel that's perfect for explorers. You don't need a time machine to walk through this prehistoric landscape. Port Edward and its surrounding coastline on the Wild Coast have hosted multiple seasons of Survivor South Africa . With its rough seas, remote beaches, and thick vegetation, it's the perfect backdrop for survival challenges – and an unforgettable travel destination. You can walk the same beaches and forests where contestants battled it out, minus the stress of tribal council. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Time Out
A day of discovery: Experience free museum tours on International Museum Day
Visiting a museum offers a relaxing yet enriching experience. Museums preserve history and house important artefacts that educate communities and foster cultural connection. They provide the perfect setting to explore, learn, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. For researchers, museums also serve as invaluable resources for discovery and study. South Africa is home to some of the finest museums around the world. It has different types of museums, such as art museums, natural history museums, and science museums. Expect to find some of these treasures when you visit museums in and around Gauteng: Paintings, sculptures, portraits, machines, technology , electronics, tools, houseware, clothing, furniture, photographs, letters, artefacts, rocks, plants, and animals. On 18 May, the world will be celebrating International Museum Day. The theme for 2025 is The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities. 'This theme highlights the essential role of museums as connectors, innovators, and stewards of cultural identity, while fostering discussions about safeguarding intangible heritage, embracing youth empowerment, and exploring technological advancements', reads a statement from DITSONG: Museums of South Africa. The following institutions will be hosting programmes for International Museum Day and there will be free entrance to the Ditsong museums from 18 to 25 May 2025. The Apartheid Museum in Kempton Park and the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial in Soweto will offer free entrances on 16 June 2025. There will also be month-long activities, from 1-30 May, at some of the museums to promote awareness, enhance accessibility, increase visibility, and promote cultural celebration. The events will occur at the following museums, a few kilometres from the Johannesburg Central Business District.
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Norwegian envoy praises SA G20 Presidency and chairship
The Apartheid Museum is hosting an exhibit on the role played by Scandinavian countries in the fight for liberation. Norwegian Ambassador to South Africa Gjermund Saether with dignitaries at the Apartheid Museum. Picture by Sara Shi Øyen The Norwegian Ambassador to South Africa, Gjermund Saether, has lauded South Africa's Presidency and chairship of the G20 saying the country is doing a great job and Norway supports it despite criticism by some countries. This is an apparent reference to US president Donald Trump who expressed doubt about attending the G20 despite the fact that the US is the next president of G20 to take over from South Africa later this year. Trump's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently boycotted the G20 Foreign Minister's meeting in Johannesburg due to the way the US administration views Pretoria's land reform policy. SA's G20 chairship Speaking at the launch of the exhibition on African Norwegian Solidarity held at the Apartheid Museum on Saturday, Saether said one of the manifestations of the good cooperation between South Africa and Norway was Pretoria's move to extend an invitation to Norway to participate as an invited guest country during the G20. 'South Africa is doing a very good job chairing the G20. It is surprising and disappointing to see some countries questioning the Sustainable Development Goals and the fight for women's rights,' Saether said. 'Norway, and so many other countries inside and outside of G20, fully support South Africa's priorities as the chair of the G20,' he added. There is no doubt that the struggle for democracy, human rights and self-determination faces some headwinds. In all parts of the world, there are countries in democratic decline, including several countries in Europe, and he named Russia as one of them. 'In a geopolitical shifting landscape, we must work against the old imperial idea that 'might is right'. 'The international community has a compass, or we can call it a rulebook, designed to prevent conflict. It does not solve all problems, but it is a good starting point. It's called international law, and it includes the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights. These principles must be applied in a consistent manner,' Saether said. The envoy lashed out at Israel saying although it had a right to defend itself following the October 2023 attacks inside Israel by Hamas, that exercise of power was constrained by international law. 'All parties need to take active action to protect civilians, and to allow for humanitarian access. We all witnessed that this did not happen. 'With the support of South Africa and 136 countries in the UN General Assembly, Norway sent a powerful message by referring Israel to the International Court of Justice a few months back. It is unacceptable for Israel to block the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians living under occupation. 'Norway thinks international courts are there to be used, something South Africa is doing in their own case against Israel's war in Palestine in the International Court of Justice. Those countries who disagree with South Africa can present their view in the court in the Hague,' Saether said. Need for African voices Norway appreciated South Africa's engagement in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict through the African Peace Initiative and this week's visit of President Zelensky to Pretoria. 'Norway will support Ukraine's right to self-determination, just as we supported the same right for South-Africans, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans and others. The fundamental principle of international law also applies in another part of Norway's neighborhood, the Arctic. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.' The Ambassador called for multilateralism and reform of the multilateral institutions, including the composition of the United Nations Security Council. 'Looking at the challenges of climate change, war and poverty, to name a few, it is clear that the world needs multilateralism more than ever. We need solidarity more than ever and we need reformed multilateral institutions that reflect the world of today. 'Now is the time for countries in Europe and Africa to intensify their cooperation to achieve this. Reform of the composition of the UN Security Council is long overdue and the African continent must be much better represented. 'When we supported the struggle for liberation, we also supported the quest for a larger African role in global affairs. This is more acute than ever. 'It is not only about morals and the fact that African voices have not been heard. It is in Norway's own interest that we live in an organised world in which countries on this continent have a fair say. 'The future influence of this continent in world affairs should be, must be, and will be bigger than before,' Saether said. NOW READ: Norway's anti-apartheid role acknowledged by South African struggle veterans
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Norway's anti-apartheid role acknowledged by South African struggle veterans
The Royal Norwegian Embassy has partnered with the Apartheid Museum to showcase the historical bonds between SA and Norway. Norwegian Ambassador to South Africa Gjermund Saether shows ANC veteran and former Ambassador, Ribbon Mosholi the struggle era material showing how Norway supported liberation movements in SADC countries. Picture by Sara Shi Øyen Had it not been for the Nordic countries, we wouldn't be where we are today—they clothed, fed, and cared for our health and education. That's how ANC Veterans League member and former South African Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Ribbon Mosholi, described the role played by Norway and other Scandinavian nations in supporting the anti-apartheid and colonialism struggle in South Africa and former Frontline States. Norway's immense contribution to South Africa to realise its freedom and democracy was acknowledged by Mosholi and Veterans' League deputy president, Mavuso Msimang on Saturday, both key speakers at the launch of an exhibition titled African Independence Norwegian Solidarity held at the Apartheid Museum on Saturday. A sixty-year partnership The exhibition, which would run until the end of June, was organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in partnership with the Apartheid Museum. Mosholi said the US began to impose sanctions on apartheid South Africa only in the 80s, despite the sanctions movement having started in the 60s after the Sharpeville massacre. However, Norway was consistent and committed to the cause of South African black liberation. She said that although Norway did not support the armed struggle by the ANC, it went all out to give all kinds of assistance, and as the ANC they knew they could count on Scandinavians. Norway and other countries used to send clothes in bundles, as well as education and healthcare materials, and other forms of assistance to the ANC members in exile. 'All these materials were paid for individually and collectively by the Scandinavian countries. We appreciate that,' she said. Mosholi said while the anti-apartheid struggle in the US was only supported by the people and civil society organisations and not the government, Norway's support was initiated from the top down as part of the law. The Norwegian people complemented the government support with protests, marches and other forms to put pressure on South Africa to end apartheid. International relations At the time the white South Africa and Israel that were founded on the same year in 1948, continued to be outposts of the Western colonialism with the backing of the USA. Msimang said it was quite strange that Donald Trump would unilaterally impose trade sanctions and withdraw aid from country without the US constitution keeping him in check to account for it. 'The time in which we are have been thrown into some kind of turmoil by the arrival on the scene of people like Donald Trump, he has thrown out the book on diplomacy and proceeded in the manner that he personally would like to,' he said. 'But in the world of geopolitics, it's important for South Africa to take a position based on its values which are enshrined in the Freedom Charter, in the Constitution which was born of the Freedom Charter. 'I don't think we should be deterred, but we should be guided by our foreign policy. We should proceed to do whatever we do guided by our values. 'This is moment when, taking cognisance of where you are, what your strengths are, not your bravado or impressing people. 'The real crisis in the country is that the 1994 political dividend has not yet been paid. Our crisis is when our people continue to see that actually poverty is increasing,' Msimang continued. Norway and Nelson Mandela Norwegian Ambassador to South Africa Gjermund Saether, recalled how Norway's support to the struggle in South Africa gathered pace from 1960 from the time when then-ANC president Albert Luthuli received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960 and the Sharpeville massacre that shocked the Norwegians happened. Oslo's support also intensified in favour of the struggles in Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia from the 60s right up to the 80s, culminating in their respective independence. Saether said colonialism in Africa reflected the 'might is right' attitude that Norway experienced from the European big powers, which also impacted its foreign policy. Since Nelson Mandela's speech during a visit to Norway in 1998 , South Africa would always remember Norway's example of extending to the whole world the values of a caring society and pledged a commitment to working with Norway for peace, democracy and equitable international relations, the two countries were doing their best to keep that promise alive. 'Coming back to Nelson Mandela's words, we look forward to continuing to work together with South Africa to promote our common goals of peace, democracy, self-determination, prosperity and development. 'As we celebrate Freedom Day tomorrow (Sunday), we are also reminded about the important values of solidarity and international cooperation,' Saether said. NOW READ: Malema condemns SA's 'incomplete freedom' during Brandfort Freedom Day rally
