Flow Communications has added five more books to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) remarkable series on South Africa’s living human treasures.
The Living Human Treasures series takes readers into the lives of celebrated and lesser-known South African artists, musicians, linguists, traditional healers and recognised practitioners of the country’s vast indigenous knowledge.
The latest five publications bring to 16 the number of Living Human Treasures books Flow Communications has completed for DSAC since 2018/2019. The previous books include:
Esther Mahlangu: Indigenous Lines
Noria Mabasa: Sculptor of Dreams
Madosini Mpahleni: Sounds of the Land
Ouma Katrina Esau: Speaking for N|uu
Beauty Ngxongo: Weaving Wisdom into Art
Mgwaqo Enoch Mabika: Carving Out His Own Way
Dr Thomas Chauke: The Tsonga Heartbeat
Meiki Grace Masuku: Wisdom From the Soil
Oom Petrus Vaalbooi: Lion of the Red Kalahari
Themba Patrick Magaisa: A Life in Verse
Tshimangadzo Esther Sinyegwe: Teacher of Culture
The most recent books, produced in 2023/24 are:
Sophie Nosinky Mahlangu: A Legacy of Knowledge
Makobela Maimela: Brewing Up a Legacy
Miriam September: A Return to Tradition
Gogo Jetty Zulu: A Grassroots Legacy
Tembinkosi Nketo: Mender of Bones
Each book was painstakingly produced and extensively researched. Flow’s writing team spent days with each subject, immersing themselves in their day-to-day lives, to ensure that their stories were faithfully and respectfully told. Each beautifully photographed book features stories from and interviews with the subjects themselves, as well as contributions from industry experts and historians, creating a rich tapestry of context and colour.
“Producing these books has been incredibly meaningful work for the Flow team, knowing that they are playing an important role in preserving the legacy of South African artists and indigenous knowledge holders – some of whom are world-famous, but others who aren’t well known, and should be,” says Flow’s CEO, Tara Turkington.
“Every story is honestly and thoroughly told, properly researched, academically rigorous and respectful of its subject.
“Indeed, the living human treasures were given the right to veto or change any aspect of their book’s content, and they had the right to say anything they liked without fear or favour. We’re grateful to the DSAC for allowing us to tell and help preserve these important stories.”
DSAC delivers the books at no cost to public libraries, schools and tertiary institutions.
