On 14 May 2026, the University of South Africa (Unisa) Art Gallery officially opened African ReUnion: A Celebration of Pan-African Imagination and Unity, a landmark exhibition commemorating Africa Month and celebrating African creativity, memory, scholarship and futurity.

Curated by Tshegofatso Seoka from the Unisa Art Gallery, the exhibition presents a compelling interdisciplinary engagement between dance and mixed-media art, offering audiences a dynamic exploration of Pan-African identity, cultural memory and creative expression. Through its innovative fusion of movement and visual artistry, the exhibition reflects the enduring significance of African unity and imagination within contemporary artistic discourse.

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University, donated an iconic landmark painting to the Unisa Art Gallery, thereby enriching its already illustrious collection. The painting, titled African Re-Union (2025), was conceptualised by Ikalafeng and executed by Mark Modimola. The artwork features a compelling representation of historic African icons alongside contemporary African leaders, symbolising the enduring vision of Pan-African unity and solidarity.

Acting Vice-Principal of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Mpho Ngoepe, representing the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, officially opened the exhibition. Ngoepe said the exhibition serves as an important platform for reflecting on African identity, collective memory and the ongoing project of continental unity through artistic expression. He expressed his gratitude to Ikalafeng for choosing the Unisa Art Gallery as the home of the African Re-Union artwork.

In his welcoming address, the School of Arts Director, Prof Siyasanga Tyali, spoke fondly about South African cultural pioneer Maria McCloy, who recently passed away. He said he remembered Maria as one of the most consequential creative forces South Africa has produced in the post-apartheid era. "Maria acknowledged the Unisa Art Gallery by profiling some of our exhibitions in newspapers," he said.

Tyali further extended his gratitude to Dr Ikalafeng for donating the artwork. He stated that the Unisa Art Gallery has been receiving significant media attention. "I am quite sure this donation will enhance the value of our collections, and it will further stimulate intellectual discussions among staff members and students on how we can rethink the continent and our place in the world," he concluded.

The exhibition launch featured a rich programme of poetry, traditional performance and abstract dance. The choreographed performances, directed by the legendary Tony Kgoroge, added a dynamic and immersive artistic dimension to the event, further reinforcing the exhibition’s celebration of Pan-African imagination, cultural expression and unity.

The exhibition is open to the public from Friday 15 May 2026. It reflects on the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963, and affirms the continent’s enduring commitment to freedom, unity and self-determination. 

* By Nnana Martina Jege, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences