Zuva Gallery Artists - Dominic Benhura Donates Sculpture to Nelson Mandela

Dominic Benhura Donates Sculpture to Nelson Mandela

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On February 5, 2003, Dominic Benhura and Zuva Gallery owner Michael Obert presented a landmark sculpture to Nelson Mandela. The massive sculpture, the last in Mr. Benhura's famed "Swing Me Mama" series, now serves as the feature piece of art the gardens of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa. This donation marks the largest of its kind from a major world artist to Mr. Mandela. The 1,000-pound piece was installed directly outside the window of Mr. Mandela' s executive office. Said Mr. Mandela, "...this is a tremendous work by a natural talent. I am honored to accept this donation."

Zuva Gallery owner Michael Obert,
Nelson Mandela and Dominic Benhura.
Photos by Benny Gool.

The logistics of identifying, shipping, installing and presenting this sculpture to Mr. Mandela involved immense teamwork on the part of Mr. Benhura, Mr. Obert and several senior staff members at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Mr. Obert, who has served as a consultant to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, approached senior staff regarding artwork as they prepared to move into a newly built office complex in Johannesburg. According to Mr. Obert, "When I saw the building plans, particularly the proposed garden setting, I just knew that Dominic's work would be perfect. Not only would it be a stunning piece of art, but Dominic's themes and inspiration are precisely those personified by Mr. Mandela and his Foundation."

Dominic Benhura, Michael Obert,
Nelson Mandela and John Samuel,
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation,
view "Swing Me Mama".

During the later half of 2002, Mr. Benhura and Mr. Obert then began working to show staff at the Foundation a broad range of sculpture options. They settled on Mr. Benhura's famed "Swing Me Mama" as it depicts the most innocent and important human bond: that shared between mother and child. This critical theme is one of the cornerstones of the Nelson Mandela Foundation's HIV/AIDS, education and leadership development programs. Said Mr. Benhura, "I'm so happy that they chose "Swing Me Mama". This is the theme that made me famous. Several different versions of this piece stand in major permanent collections in Europe and America. But this is by far the most important collection that I have ever contributed to and the most incredible opportunity I have had artistically and personally. This is the last and finest version of "Swing Me Mama" that I will ever make and I am awestruck to present this work personally to Mr. Mandela, a true hero for Africa and the rest of the world."

Mr. Benhura and Mr. Obert would like to especially thank Dr. Heiko Roehl, Heather Henriques and John Samuel of the Nelson Mandela Foundation for helping to facilitate this donation.

Dominic Benhura speaks with Mr. Mandela about his sculpture "Swing Me Mama".

Mr. Mandela thanks Michael Obert and Dominic Benhura for the donation.

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