Living Treasures of South Africa

The rich diversity of South Africa is enhanced by its living legends and cultural treasures.

In recognition of this, the Social Cohesion and Integration Research Programme of the Human Sciences Research Council in Cape Town has prepared a series of profiles on South African cultural treasures. We have defined a cultural treasure as an artist in any form or discipline, celebrating the highest levels of excellence, and acting as a role model for their peer group, the public and the critical constituency, including the world market. Our choices are informed by an ongoing process of consultation with the arts and culture constituency; the market; the community of arts and culture critics, reviewers and arts editors; individual artists and the public.

Biographical research has been completed on the following people. If you require more information or transcripts of the interviews, where available, please contact Lynne at lwilson@hsrc.ac.za