ALBERTINA AND WALTER SISULU
Two great South Africans, Albertina (Nontsikelelo) and Walter Max (Ulyate) Sisulu are immortalised in a clay sculpture by Marina Walsh (2009) installed in a small square on historic Diagonal Street. The 2.7-tonne artwork of this couple who sit holding hands commemorates the enduring love they had for each other and the nation. Both prominent anti-apartheid activists, 'Ma Sisulu', as she was affectionately known, was admired for her compassion and work to improve the lives of children, women and the elderly, while Walter served as Secretary-General and Deputy President of the African National Congress. He was imprisoned for 25 years alongside his great friend Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. The sculpture site is across the street from where Walter once had his real estate office. Albertina died in 2011 while Walter passed away in 2003.Intersection of Diagonal, Ntemi Piliso and Albertina Sisulu Streets, City Centre.
ANGEL OF THE NORTH
The five-metre tall concrete winged angel, installed in 2010, stands near Constitution Hill welcoming all to Hillbrow. With its outstretched arms, it has been compared to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, albeit a miniature version. In his brief, artist Winston Luthuli wrote: "Its presence serves as a kind of sentinel, and is incongruous with what one might expect to find in this crime and grime-ridden part of Joburg... Angels are present in the folklore of many different cultures and generally represent a higher state of being."
Cnr Queens and Kotze Streets, Hillbrow, Braamfontein.
BRENDA FASSIE
Artist Angus Taylor’s life-size bronze sculpture of Brenda Fassie (2006) in the Market Theatre precinct was commissioned by the Sunday Times Heritage Project. Before social media and celebrity-obsessed magazines, Fassie was one of South Africa’s biggest home-grown music stars and the original “bad girl”. Born in 1964 into a deeply entrenched apartheid society, she defied all conventions to become a true pop idol, today remembered by her songs, among them Weekend Special and Too Late for Mama. She lived life to excess and her trajectory to stardom was as dramatic as her downfall. 'MaBrrr', as she was known, died at the age of 39, reportedly of a drug overdose. Time Magazine dubbed her the 'Madonna of the townships'.
56 Margaret Mcingana Street, Newtown, City Centre.
ELAND
Artist Clive van den Berg’s sculpture of a giant buck with its aloe planters (2007) greets visitors to Braamfontein at one of the gateways to the City Centre. Eland is "a large representation of an eland on a corner where it has long since disappeared," wrote Van den Berg. The sculpture brings to mind San ancestors and the natural environment that has long since been taken over by a growing city. He added that he hoped the Eland would prompt "reflection on our relationship to the past, and to the interconnectedness of environmental, cultural and spiritual destinies".Cnr Bertha and Ameshoff Streets, Braamfontein.
FIRE WALKER
Along nearby Diagonal Street women still walk with lit braziers atop their heads selling sheep’s head 'smileys' or mielies (corn cobs). Fire Walker by William Kentridge and Gerhard Marx (2009) is an 11-metre-high metal sculpture created by fractured pieces that split apart as you view it from different points. It pays homage to these women and the everyday activities of city dwellers. The sculpture's location just off Queen Elizabeth Bridge makes it difficult to stop and view it, and walking alone in the area is not advised. A slow drive past is recommended until the city implements improved security measures.
Cnr Simmonds and Sauer Street, City Centre.
GOVERNOR'S HOUSE TREES
Americo Guambe’s
exquisite sculptures (2010) were carved from dead trees found in the area. They stand behind Governor’s House, built around 1908 for the governor of the Old Fort.
Tree I
depicts a young girl looking towards Hillbrow. Beneath her are carvings representing the many diverse nationalities that have made Hillbrow home.
Tree II
is a sculpture of a boy pointing towards the city. He stands atop intricate carvings of the cityscape etched into the trunk.
Governor's House, Queen's Road, Hillbrow.
