Science and Innovation / IFAS Research / Urban Cultures in Southern Africa

Urban Cultures in Southern Africa

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11 November

IFAS-Research presents the second issue of Journal of Contemporary History of Africa ( RHCA ), which tackles the cultural history of urban societies in contemporary southern Africa. Between repulsion and attraction, domination and resistance, invention and accommodation, this history has been shaped by encounters between African populations and European settlers, by diasporic communities in the colonial and post-colonial era and by migrants of all origins. This issue highlights the multiple links between places, specific scenes and the cultural forms that have developed there.

Read more and access the journal here: https://oap.unige.ch/journals/rhca/issue/view/02afriqueaustrale

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On 6 August 2026, the Pantsula My World Festival brought together around 450 people and 150 performers in Katlehong for a day dedicated to Pantsula, its history, its communities and its future. The festival gathered Pantsula groups, facilitators, young dancers, schools, practitioners, community members and cultural-sector professionals for performances, exchanges and collective celebration. It marked the culmination of months of work carried out through Pantsula My World, a programme led by Buru Ventures in partnership with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS). Drawing on the methodology developed by the late Buru Mohlabane, the project worked with dance centres, schools and communities to document and strengthen approaches to teaching Pantsula, while supporting its recognition as a contemporary South African dance genre. This highlight video looks back at the energy, participation and shared knowledge that shaped the festival. Pantsula My World was supported by the French Institute of South Africa and funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
On 21 September 2026, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) hosted Let’s Talk Mshoza, an all-women round-table discussion examining the experiences of women working in dance, with a particular focus on Pantsula. Moderated by Nondumiso Msimango, the discussion brought together producer and programmer Lindiwe Lekasapa; dancer and choreographer Sonia Radebe; Pantsula practitioner, dancer and choreographer Julia Burnham; Nolo Mokotedi from IFAS; and Manaileng Maphike of Maphike Inc., who contributed a legal perspective. Together, they discussed the challenges women encounter in the sector, opportunities for professional development, and their ambitions for the future of dance in South Africa. The event formed part of Pantsula My World, a project launched in December 2025 by Buru Ventures in partnership with IFAS. Building on the work of the late Buru Mohlabane, the project developed and documented a structured methodology for teaching Pantsula, with the aim of supporting its recognition as a contemporary South African dance genre. Pantsula My World was made possible through funding from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with the support of the French Institute of South Africa.
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