The Video Installation, A Few South Africans, part of There’s Something I Must Tell You, the retrospective exhibition of the works by Sue Williamson, deserves a special visit on its own.
In societies shaped by trauma, communication is not always easy—speaking about the past can be fraught, and listening is not without its challenges” explains Sue Williamson. “This room brings together the voices of two generations—women who once fought for freedom, and their granddaughters, who now navigate its complexities. Through a series of six exchanges, moments of inquiry emerge: “Why were you jailed?” “Do you feel your sacrifice was worth the country we have today?”. Two of the grandmothers were part of the A Few South Africans series: Caroline Motsoaledi and Amina Cachalia. All of them grew up under apartheid, unlike their granddaughters, the ‘born free’ generation.
Caroline Motsoaledi and Busisiwe Khatibe
The visual language of the installation reflects their exchanges. On the left, pages from a family photo album turn slowly, offering glimpses of a life shaped by resistance and resilience. In the centre, full-length portraits—one still, the other in motion—present both continuity and change. To the right, an interaction unfolds between the two women, a meeting of perspectives that does not seek resolution but acknowledges the difficulty of speaking, and being heard. Rather than prescribing how stories should be told or received, this work invites reflection on the complexities of inheritance—on what is shared, what remains unspoken, and the ongoing effort to understand.”
Ilse Fischer Wilson and Thandi Lewin
Grandmothers (Older Generation)
1. Amina Cachalia – Anti-apartheid activist
2. Dr. Brigalia Bam – Distinguished leader and activist
3. Rebecca Kotane – Veteran of the struggle
4. Caroline Motsoaledi – Widow of Rivonia trialist Elias Motsoaledi
5. Ilse Fischer Wilson – Activist daughter of Afrikaner lawyer Bram Fischer
6. Vesta Smith – Liberation movement heroine
Granddaughters (Younger Generation)
1. Luiza Cachalia – Amina Cachalia’s granddaughter
2. Busiswa Bam – Brigalia Bam’s niece
3. Nompumelelo Kotane – Rebecca Kotane’s granddaughter
4. Busisiwe Khatibe – Caroline Motsoaledi’s granddaughter
5. Thandi Lewin – Ilse Fischer Wilson’s conversation partner
6. Tammy Smith – Vesta Smith’s great-granddaughter
Dr. Brigalia Bam and Busisiwe Bam
Fascinating and immersive insights that have a particular significance, providing a powerful contribution to There’s Something I Must Tell You, the Sue Williamson Retrospective.
WHAT: A Few South Africans – There’s Something I Must Tell You
WHERE: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave, Company Gardens, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: runs until the end of September 2025
INFO: T +27 (0) 21 481 3970 |  VISIT | See also Sue Williamson – retrospective exhibition at Iziko South African National Gallery  See also Sue Williamson Retrospective at Iziko SA National Gallery on Arts Round Up | Sue Williamson – retrospective exhibition at Iziko South African National Gallery
IZIKO SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL GALLERY [ A]
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