The Heritage Tour is a collaboration between The Diamond Works, The Desmond Tutu Foundation, and The Artist Gallery.
The tour takes the visitor on a journey to uncover the meaning and impact of “ubuntu”.
This is done by walking the vibrant streets of Cape Town, connecting with our creativity through the work displayed in The Artists Gallery, being drawn into our turbulent past through the interactive Truth to Power Exhibition at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation and experiencing the beginnings of our diamond mining industry through Augmented Reality at the Diamond Works. The tour concludes with an outstanding local wine and chocolate tasting surrounded by glittering showcases of exquisite jewelery.
What is Ubuntu?
UBUNTU: “I am, because we are.”
“Ubuntu is not a slogan. It is a profoundly ethical world view. It reminds us that our destinies are shared and that dignity must be extended to every single human being. Tutu said it so well. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. He reminded us that joy and justice are not opposing forces; they are allies.” Janice Jobson – CEO, Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
The words of the inspiring guest speakers made me proud as I realised that Ubuntu is South Africa’s gift to the world, and something that must be shared.
Ubuntu is nothing like the virtue signalling of the #BeKind movement on social media. It’s just done in the moment, quietly, intuitively, and it’s often nothing more than a small action that acknowledges another person.
It’s standing in a long queue at the supermarket with grumpy kids and a full trolley, but letting the person behind you go first, because they only have two items.
It’s two grannies stopping to help a large young man push-start his minibus.
It’s a way of life where the individual is not the centre of their universe because they see other people. Really see them as equal human beings with hopes, fears, challenges and joys.
It’s a mindset of “when we lift others, we rise”.
Enver Malley, – Director & Entrepreneur says, “Being lekker is my description of Ubuntu; it’s a better one. The enemy of Ubuntu is greed, narcissism, ego, selfishness, cruelty, superiority and generally not being lekker.” (Lekker is an Afrikaans word that literally translates to nice.)
Malley gives examples of practising Ubuntu, or being lekker, in the workplace.
“ It’s working with small companies and paying them a fair rate rather than screwing them on price because you are big and they are small.”
“ It’s speaking to a small business owner before you send a lawyer’s letter for non-payment. Insisting on payment can kill a small business. A grace period and payment plan can enable it to grow and thrive.”
Ubuntu is partially responsible for our reputation for friendliness. Enver Duminey, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says Ubuntu is our superpower in Cape Town. He believes we live in a world where everything is focused on the self, but Ubuntu is the opposite of self-centredness.
How does Ubuntu translate into actions in everyday South African Society?
We greet everyone.
Sometimes it’s just a nod or a good morning, but it can lead to a conversation about the weather, rugby, load shedding, potholes, or the government. This happens while walking on the streets, in supermarket queues, at petrol stations, and in coffee shops.
We buy random items such as coat hangers, garbage bags and cell phone covers from vendors plying their trade at the traffic lights. Money ready, hoping for a red light. A shout, a quick exchange of friendly words and cash for goods before the light goes green.
Our resilience has been tested to the nth degree, but when disaster strikes, we create a hashtag, donate, volunteer, sympathise, pull together, and make jokes. Finding humour in adversity is wired into our DNA. The brilliant jokes and memes unite us, showing our compassion and empathy.
The Heritage Experience
Aimee Lentz– CMOO The Diamond Works tells us, “ By bringing tourists to the Truth to Power Exhibition at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, then to The Diamond Works Experience, you are creating a Heritage itinerary and a rich story for your clients. People understand stories, and we need to share our stories of who we are and where we come from, the good and the bad.”
JANET JOBSON – CEO, Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation says, “ The Ubuntu pendant represents the heart of South Africa, a souvenir for visitors to take all over the world. The Tutu Foundation’s partnership with The Diamond Works is about embracing the stories of our past and bringing them into a hopeful reality for our future.”
Jaret Loggenberg – MD Artists Gallery. “This collaboration reminds us that when we work together, we can achieve amazing things. We want to share with the world what we have to offer from local artists, and unveil a limited collector’s edition of Nelson Mandela’s first steps to freedom. This image by Mark Peters is one of the most iconic photographs in modern history. It appeared on the cover of Newsweek, which printed 4 million copies of that edition.”
Visitor Information
THE DIAMOND WORKS
10 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre.
WhatsApp +27 60 448 7708
Open 365 days a year
Mornings: 10:00 & 11:00
Afternoons: 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 & 15:00
· Free Virtual Reality Experience of the Kimberley Mine
· Free Augmented Reality Experience with the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Necklace
· Free Wi-Fi, chill out couches, AR photo booth
· Custom Jewellery Design Experience
· Deetlefs White Pinotage and Afrikoa Chocolate Tastings
TRUTH TO POWER EXHIBITION
Highlights of the life and work of Nobel Peace Prize winner and South African icon, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The life story of Tutu will bring tears to your eyes and put a smile on your face.
Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation.
The Old Granary Building
11 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 09:30 – 15:30
Ticket Prices
Standard: R100
African nationals and South Africans with an ID: R50
Pensioners and Students with ID: R25
Children under 18 years old: FREE
For group bookings, contact [email protected]
The Artists Gallery Cape Town
34 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: +27 64 758 1714
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm
First Thursdays 10 am to 7:30 pm
