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Medu Art Ensemble Subseries
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Federation of S.A Women

Drawing of Florence Matamela at Federation of South African Women launch in 1954. T-shirt design was made by Judy Seidman. The drawing is to mark 30th anniversary of launch of Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW).

Medu Art Ensemble

Newsletter 1979, Vol. 1, No. 2

In this newsletter, there are five poetry sections, namely Dead roots, Apology from London by Arthur Nortje, Miles of many fears by Bachana wa Mokwena, A prayer for Africa from the mouths of babies by Mandlenkosi Langa and I surrender by Thele Moema. Other section is the art review of the film by Mongane Serote called 'The wild Geese'. Medu's views on burning current issues in South Africa are included, interview by Bachan wa Mokwena interviewing Teresa Devant de Gonzalez regarding the theatre and the role of an artist in an oppressive system. Lastly, there are featured articles by Molefe Pheto, Phetu Serote and Timothy Williams.

Medu Art Ensemble

Newsletter 1979, December, Vol. 1, No. 4

Newsletter has interview section of Mosa Jonas Gwangwa who is a composer, musician and member of Medu Art Ensemble. He is interviewed by Medu project co-ordinator Mongane Serote. Jonas Gwangwa shares his background from his early childhood when his parents arrived at Orlando in 1931. Furthermore, he talks about his musical background that is influenced by his musical family.

Medu Art Ensemble

Newsletter 1980, March, Vol. 2, No. 1

Newsletter was issued in 1980 during the first quarter in March. Poetry section of this issue includes Tribute to Martyrs by James Matthews, Alex death blues by Dumisani Dhlamini, untitled poetry by Chippa wa Moagi. A short story by Mongane Serote titled the mosquito. An interview of Thamsanqa Mnyele interviewed by Tim Williams. Thami talks about his journey as a South African painter and designer. Thami Mnyele was a member of Medu. Lastly, the cover design of this newsletter was designed by F. Mbali and illustration by Thami Mnyele.

Medu Art Ensemble

Newsletter 1980, Vol. 2, No. 2

Cultural Bodies are a means for artists to learn from and communicate with their communities. How is it done? This edition of Medu opens discussion on the inter-communication between artists and communities. To this end, a "Graffiti Page" has been added to allow for public comments on Thami Mnyele's exhibition, which was held at the Gaborone Museum. Critical artistic reflection is included in this issue through reviews of the art of Thami Mnyele, Maselwa Malatji, Bachana Mokwena and Dennis Brutus. Like all Medu Newsletters, this includes exciting poetry by Mongane Serote and Keorapetse Kgositsile. Front page graphic by Heinz Klug on lithograph.

Medu Art Ensemble

Special Edition 1981, No to the White Republic, Yes to the People's Republic, Part B

The title of this Medu special edition is "No to the White Republic, Yes to the People's Republic". While PW Botha held celebrations for the anniversary of the Apartheid republic, Medu used this edition to say "Stop the Republic Day Festival". Bachana Mokwena's article on the 20th anniversary of the "bloodthirsty republic" gives a strong historical background to the processes of the republics formation, and the united opposition against it. Further, John Donne writes about Grigori Oganov's insight into the relationship between culture and resistance and between art, artists and their communities. Artworks by Thami Mnyele and Judy Seidman are included throughout the publication, including a sharp and graphic description of black life in South Africa entitled "Fragments: A Brief Comment on Black Lives in South Africa" by Thami Mnyele. Front page graphic by Judy Seidman and the Medu Art Collective.

Medu Art Ensemble

Newsletter 1981, Vol. 3, No. 1

The central thrust behind this newsletter by the Medu Art Ensemble is the need to do art collectively and with a consciousness about community. The poetry section includes "Out of the faceless ghettos" by Bachana Mokwena. In this poem, his constant refrain to "Momma" reflects on the personal and structural pain of Apartheid through alternating between the words "momma", "mother" and "motherland". Here he laments the long history of racial oppression, the scars on Momma's back and the near-freedom which he grasps. A short story by Tebogo Mosabako entitled "Moshupa Story" relays a story of a young man in Moshupa Botswana, who through an act of goodwill receives care and reciprocity. In the section "Art Review", Dimakatso Dimakatso reviews Penny Miller's "Myths and Legends of Southern Africa", which, it is argued, reinforces the racist myths and legends of southern Africa. Es'kia Mpahlele's "Chirundu", a novel about the "entire process of life" in an (un-named) newly independent African state, is reviewed by Njabulo Ndebele. Each of these artforms presented in this edition speak to community, change, resistance and creativity.

Medu Art Ensemble

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