● The Zeitz MOCAA Gala Collateral Programme 2025 offers a blend of cultural immersion with moments of critical reflection and challenges participants to envision new ways of thinking and collaborating.
● One of South Africa’s most influential contemporary singers Thandiswa Mazwai will grace the Zeitz MOCAA Gala stage with exclusive performances.
● The 4-day Gala Collateral Programme culminates in a vibrant invite-only Afterparty hosted by Don Julio in Zeitz MOCAA’s iconic Atrium Bowl.
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala Collateral Programme 2025, specially curated by Hamzeh Alfarahneh and hosted by Zeitz MOCAA Executive Director and Chief Curator Koyo Kouoh, unfolds as a celebration of women’s often understated contributions to the art world.
This four-day journey from Thursday, 20 February to Sunday, 23 February is open to all Gala attendees on a first-come-first-see basis and promises an immersive exploration of South Africa’s vibrant art ecosystem. With an ethos of curiosity, joy, and hospitality, the programme offers studio and gallery visits, curator-led tours, and thought-provoking discussions, all set against Cape Town’s spectacular backdrop.
“This year’s itinerary bridges the cultural pulse of Cape Town and the broader Western Cape, extending from its dynamic galleries to the Stellenbosch Triennale and the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. Anchored by the principle of intentionality, the programme crafts a tapestry of engagements that range from the intimate to the expansive, creating opportunities for discovery and connection,” says Alfarahneh.
The programme highlights the interconnectedness of South Africa’s art ecosystem, acknowledging its strengths, challenges, and unique historical context. South Africa’s art world thrives on a complex interplay between tradition and innovation, shaped by its diverse cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.
By weaving together narratives of triumph and challenge, the Gala Collateral Programme 2025 invites participants to explore the nuances of South Africa’s cultural landscape while engaging with pressing issues of equity and inclusion. Central to this year’s focus is the role of women—artists, curators, and cultural practitioners—whose contributions have been pivotal in shaping the South African art ecosystem, often without receiving the recognition they deserve.
From curator-led walkthroughs at Zeitz MOCAA and beyond to roundtable discussions, the experience is designed to foster meaningful exchanges. These moments are interspersed with communal meals, and refuelling stations prepared by local women chefs, infusing the programme with warmth and a sense of belonging.
At its core, the Gala Collateral Programme 2025 embodies a collective effort. The museum’s largely women-led team, along with its collaborators and supporters, ensures the programme resonates with authenticity and generosity. Their contributions underscore the importance of alliance in creating a holistic cultural experience.
Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2025 – Friday, 21 February
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2025, taking place on Friday, 21 February, is the museum’s annual fundraiser and draws a global, regional and local audience of patrons, philanthropists, practitioners, collectors and cultural luminaries. The Gala is crucial in advancing the institution’s mission to exhibit, collect, preserve and research contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora.
Proceeds from the Gala directly benefit the museum’s curatorial a education programming, enabling the institution to conceive and host international exhibitions; develop supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourage intercultural understanding; and ensure access for all.
The Gala evening begins with a red-carpet welcome and a private champagne reception in the museum’s Atrium. Guests will be treated to an evening of exclusive performances by Thandiswa Mazwai, one of South Africa’s most influential contemporary singers since to start of her career in 1996 with music groups Jack Knife and Bongo Maffin, before venturing onto a solo career after six award-winning albums with Bongo Maffin.
A key moment in the evening is the presentation of the Zeitz MOCAA Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence to Otobong Nkanga in recognition of the indelible impression she has forged on the contemporary art landscape in Africa and the Diaspora.
Guests will then enjoy an exceptionally curated gastronomic experience at Zeitz MOCAA’s level 6 restaurant, Ocular Lounge.
Don Julio Afterparty – Saturday, 22 February
The 4-day Gala Collateral Programme culminates in an evening of unparalleled sophistication and vibrant energy for Gala patrons and invited guests at the Don Julio Afterparty on Saturday, 22 February. This exclusive event is a recreation of the iconic Club 1942, offering an unforgettable fusion of art, fashion, and nightlife, perfectly tied together by the legendary Don Julio 1942.
The Don Julio Afterparty will see Zeitz MOCAA’s cathedral-like Atrium Bowl transformed into a haven of rhythm, connection, and energy. Attendees will experience the very essence of the Don Julio 1942 nightlife, set against the stunning backdrop of one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural landmarks.
“We look forward to welcoming our international visitors and local supporters to the Zeitz MOCAA Gala and Collateral Programme 2025, a much-anticipated event on the Cape Town art calendar and a celebration of the artistic excellence the continent and its vast Diaspora offers.”
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A memorable 4-day Zeitz MOCAA Gala Collateral Programme 2025!
WHAT: Zeitz MOCAA Gala Collateral Programme 2025
WHERE: Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: Thursday, 20 February to Sunday, 23 February
INFO: VISIT
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
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Another reason Cape Town is placed 3rd in Time Out’s World’s Best Cities for Culture!
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala Collateral Programme 2025 is made possible through the generous support of BMW South Africa, The Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO), Africology, 21 Nettleton, The Silo Hotel, Hazendal Wines, Investec Cape Town Art Fair, with another, and Studio H with special thanks to Southern Guild, Liz Biden, Norval Foundation, Pumla Maseanganyi, Goodman Gallery, and Liza Essers.
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2025 is proudly supported by BMW South Africa, Don Julio, Hazendal Wines, YourLuxury Africa, The Aleit Group, and Africology
