The life-size bronze statue of the late Johnny Clegg joined the other 100 resistance leaders and freedom fighters showcased in Long March to Freedom at Century City on Thursday 27 March.
Situated in Century City, the Long March to Freedom is a one-of-a-kind monumental procession of life-size bronze statues, telling a 350-year story of South Africa’s liberation history through the lives of the persons represented.
Some of those depicted are well known – Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Beyers Naude, Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Luthuli, OR Tambo, to name but a few. But there are many more whose stories have been lost over time. It is an immersive and moving experience as visitors connect with the lives of the persons so vividly created in bronze – from the Khoi leaders of the 1600’s, to proud Xhosa and Zulu Kings, warriors, prophets, and clerics, to the men and women who led the liberation movements through the dark years of apartheid in South Africa, the procession is a sweeping narrative of pride in the country’s diverse history and cultures.
Background
Johnny Clegg was a pioneering South African musician, anthropologist, and anti-apartheid activist, known for blending Western rock with traditional Zulu music to create a unique sound that transcended racial and cultural boundaries.
Born in England in 1953 and raised in South Africa, Clegg became deeply involved in Zulu culture, studying the music and language. As a young man, he defied apartheid’s racial segregation by forming multi-racial bands, most notably Savuka and Juluka, which faced immense opposition and censorship from the apartheid regime.
His songs, including “Asimbonanga” and “Scatterlings of Africa”, became anthems of resistance and unity.
Beyond his musical success, Clegg was a steadfast advocate for social justice, using his platform to challenge apartheid and promote racial reconciliation.
He passed away in 2019, but his legacy endures as a symbol of cultural unity, resistance, and the power of music to bring about change.
Emotions
It was a very emotional day for the Clegg family as they gathered for the unveiling. The unveiling included singer, actress, activist, and motivational speaker Zolani Mahola as the MC with talks from Clegg’s son Jarron Clegg, as well as performance by his brother Jesse. Other speakers and performances included Dali Tambo, Sepheu Tau Masemola, Max du Preez and Msaki.
At the unveiling Jarron said after his father’s passing, the idea was first brought up of honouring him with the statue, and six years later it has now been realised.
“It is hard to believe almost six years have passed since we lost him. Time moves forward but loss doesn’t fade. It settles into our lives. We feel it in the quiet moments, the songs we still play, yet today we have something tangible. This statue is more than metal. It is a way of bringing him back into this world. Something we can touch,” Jarron said.
“On behalf of my family, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Long March to Freedom, and the artists Xhanti Mpakama and Barry Jackson who captured his spirit in the sculpture. This is more than a monument, it is a piece of him. Something that will last for generations. To all gathered here, thank you for honouring him with this.”
Dali Tambo, CEO of the National Heritage Project NPC, developers, owners, and operators of the Long March to Freedom said including Johnny Clegg in Long March to Freedom is a tribute to the social transformation artists can generate through their work.
“We are deeply grateful to the National Lotteries Commission for their support of Long March to Freedom and funding the making of this sculpture. Johnny was an exceptional individual; known as the ‘White Zulu’ he bridged cultures with his music, he used it as a weapon of resistance, he challenged injustice, and proved that music transcends all divides. His music was a rallying cry and a message of unity, resistance and hope during some of South Africa’s darkest days. Johnny’s spirit lives on today, not just in the music he created, but in the hearts of those he inspired.”
The sculpture is created by Cape Town artists Barry Jackson and Xhanti Mpakama and cast by Loup Fine Art Foundry in White River, Mpumulanga.
