In 2013, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Visual Art from the Arts and Culture Trust and Vodacom Foundation.<ref name=”Spoken Work Archive” /> In 2020, his exhibition ”Azibuyele Emasisweni (Return to the Source)”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azibuyele Emasisweni (return To The Source) at Durban Art Gallery {{!}} Art.co.za Art Exhibition Listings |url=https://www.art.co.za/exhibitions/azibuyele-emasisweni-return-to-the-source |access-date=2025-10-13 |website=www.art.co.za}}</ref> comprised works sculpted solely from bone, presented online during the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themelrosegallery.com/exhibitions/28-azibuyele-emasisweni-return-to-the-source-pitika-ntuli/overview/|title=Azibuyele Emasisweni – (Return to the Source)|website=The Melrose Gallery|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> The exhibition won a Global Fine Art people’s choice award,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVTE2GpwyrU |title=Prof Pitika Ntuli awarded Global Fine Art people’s choice award|publisher=SABC News|via=YouTube|date=20 May 2021|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/good-life/2021-05-19-south-african-poet-and-sculptor-pitika-ntuli-wins-a-global-fine-art-award-in-paris/|title=South African poet and sculptor Pitika Ntuli wins a Global Fine Art Award in Paris|first=Shonisani|last=Tshikalange|website=Sowetan Live|date=19 May 2021|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> and was subsequently shown at the [[Oliewenhuis]] Art Museum in 2022 and the [[Durban Art Gallery]] in March 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arttimes.co.za/at-feature-pitika-ntulis-acclaimed-exhibition-to-tour-sa-museums/|title=AT FEATURE: Pitika Ntuli’s acclaimed exhibition to tour SA museums|website=Art Times|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> In 2024 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Language Practice by [[Tshwane University of Technology]].<ref>https://tut.ac.za/images/news/2024/October/Prof-Pitika_Ntuli.pdf</ref>
In 2013, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Visual Art from the Arts and Culture Trust and Vodacom Foundation.<ref name=”Spoken Work Archive” /> In 2020, his exhibition ”Azibuyele Emasisweni (Return to the Source)”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azibuyele Emasisweni (return To The Source) at Durban Art Gallery {{!}} Art.co.za Art Exhibition Listings |url=https://www.art.co.za/exhibitions/azibuyele-emasisweni-return-to-the-source |access-date=2025-10-13 |website=www.art.co.za}}</ref> comprised works sculpted solely from bone, presented online during the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themelrosegallery.com/exhibitions/28-azibuyele-emasisweni-return-to-the-source-pitika-ntuli/overview/|title=Azibuyele Emasisweni – (Return to the Source)|website=The Melrose Gallery|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> The exhibition won a Global Fine Art people’s choice award,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVTE2GpwyrU |title=Prof Pitika Ntuli awarded Global Fine Art people’s choice award|publisher=SABC News|via=YouTube|date=20 May 2021|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/good-life/2021-05-19-south-african-poet-and-sculptor-pitika-ntuli-wins-a-global-fine-art-award-in-paris/|title=South African poet and sculptor Pitika Ntuli wins a Global Fine Art Award in Paris|first=Shonisani|last=Tshikalange|website=Sowetan Live|date=19 May 2021|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> and was subsequently shown at the [[Oliewenhuis]] Art Museum in 2022 and the [[Durban Art Gallery]] in March 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arttimes.co.za/at-feature-pitika-ntulis-acclaimed-exhibition-to-tour-sa-museums/|title=AT FEATURE: Pitika Ntuli’s acclaimed exhibition to tour SA museums|website=Art Times|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> In 2024 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Language Practice by [[Tshwane University of Technology]].<ref>https://tut.ac.za/images/news/2024/October/Prof-Pitika_Ntuli.pdf</ref>
== Awards ==
* 2023: kykNET Fiesta – Best Achievement in Visual Arts
* 2022: South African Traditional Music Award
* 2021: Living Legends – Department of Sports, Arts and Culture
* 2020: Global Fine Arts, People’s Choice
* 2017: Johannesburg Soccer Legends
* 2017: Indondo Social Cohesion and National Building
* 2013: Arts and Culture Trust – Lifetime Achievement
* 2012: City of Johannesburg – Living Legend
== Selected exhibitions and work ==
==== ”Solo Exhibitions” ====
* 2023: “Azibuyele Emasisweni” Durban Art Gallery
* 2022: “Azibuyele Emasisweni”, Oliewenhuis Museum, Bloemfontein
* 2020: “Azibuyele Emasisweni”, Melrose Art Gallery (Virtual)
* 2020: “Azibuyele Emasisweni”, National Arts Festival, Grahamstown (Virtual)
* 2014: “Marikana Fracture”, Richmond Booktown
* 2013: “From Marikana Hill to Constitutional Hill”, Constitutional Hill
* 2012: Oliver and Adelaide Siyanikhumbula” Oliver Tambo Environmental Narrative and Education Centre, Wattville, Benoni
* 2011: “Scent of Invisible Footprints in Moments of Complexity” Unisa Gallery, Pretoria, Gauteng
* 2011: “Scent of Invisible Footprints eGagasini” Durban Art Gallery, Durban, South Africa
* 2010: “Scent of Invisible Footprints in Moments of Complexity” MuseuMAfricA, Johannesburg, South Africa
* 1993: Monti-wa-Marumo” (Boomerang to the Source), Angel Row Art Gallery, Nottingham, UK
* 1992: “At the Nerve End of our Dream”, Greenwich Citizens Gallery, London, UK
* 1991: “Anthem for workers”, National Museum of Labour History, London, UK
* 1989: “Anthem for our Children”, 198 Gallery, London, UK
* 1986: “Crossing Borders into Hope” Munster, Dusseldorf, and Berlin, Germany
* 1986: “Airing Views”, Highbury Fields, London, UK
* 1983: “Mbongi Sabela, Africa Centre, London, UK
* 1982: “Oval House”, London, UK
* 1981: “Grange Museum”, Brent, London, UK
==== ”Group Exhibitions” ====
* 2024: “Agitate to Regain – 30 Years of South African Art” – Melrose Gallery
* 2023: “Sculpt X” – Melrose Gallery
* 2022: “Sculpt X” – Melrose Art Gallery
* 2021: “Sculpt X” – Melrose Art Gallery
* 2019: “Sculpt X” – Melrose Art Gallery
* 2019: “Latitudes Art Fair”
* 2018: “Sculpt-X” – Melrose Art Gallery
* 2018: “Mandela 100” – Melrose Art Gallery
* 2017: “Sculpt-X” – Melrose Art Gallery
* 2015: “The ‘So Called’ Emerging Black Artist”, – Constitutional Hill
* 2014: “Design City”, – Cape Town
* 2012: “Den Haag” – Contemporary South African Sculpture
* 2011/12: “20Stellenbosch” – 20 years of South African Sculpture
* 2011/12: “Nirox SculpturePark”, – Summer 2011
* 1992: “Marylands Studio”, – London, UK
* 1989: “Third Havana Bienniel”, – Cuba
* 1989: “Heart Under South Africa”, – Oval House, London, UK
* 1988: “Point of Arrival”, – Woodlands Art Gallery, London, UK
* 1987: “Thusa”, – Oval House, London, UK
* 1987: “Monti wa Marumo”, – Brixton Art Gallery, London, UK
* 1986: Grange Museum of Labour History, London, UK
* 1985: “Black Artists for South Africa”, – Upper Street Gallery, London, UK
* 1985: Air and Space Gallery, London, UK
* 1984: “Roots, Routes and Routs”, – Black Art Gallery, London, UK
* 1982: Pentonville Gallery, London, UK
* 1980: Pentonville Gallery, London, UK
==== ”Exhibitions Curated” ====
* 1995: “Taking Liberties: The Body Politic”, – Africus, Johannesburg Biennale, SA (Co-curated)
* 1995: “Siyawela;Loss and Liberation in South African Art”, – Africa 95 Festival
* 1988: “Inkaba Arts Festival; Contrast and Commonalities in Third World Arts”, – London UK
* 1987: “Monti wa Marumo”, – Brixton Art Gallery, London, UK
* 1986: Pleasures and Pressures of Spirituality”, – One Spirit Gallery, London, Uk
==== ”Selected Commisions” ====
* 2013: City of Johannesburg, “Silverton Three Monument”
* 2012: Cosatu, Johannesburg, “Monument for the Workers”
* 2011: Paul Simon, “The Heart of Love”
* 1975: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Eswatini, 15 foot metal Christ
* 1974: Matsapa International Airport, Eswatini, 12 foot Stone Sculpture
* 1973: Eswatini Credit and Savings Bank, 15 foot Stone Mural
==== ”Public Collections Owning Works” ====
* Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, SA
* William Humphreys Art Gallery, SA
* Constitutional Court, Johannesburg, SA
* Durban Art Gallery, SA
* UNISA, Pretoria, SA
* Jazz Foundation, Johannesburg, SA
* African American Institute, New York, USA
* Northern Foods, Yorkshire, UK
==== ”Private Collections of Owning Works (selected)” ====
* Paul Simon, USA
* Akufo Addo, Ghana
* Lord Haskins, UK
* Patricia Satow, UK
* Laurence Satow, UK
* The Sharpes, UK
* The Davidson Foundation, SA
* Phuthuma Nhleko, SA
* Mbethe Collection, SA
==== ”Artist in Residence” ====
* 1992: Poetry: George Orwell Secondary School
* 1992: Poetry: Barking Primary School
* 1992: Sculpture: Westminster College
* 1990/91: Poetry: Thomas Buxton Junior School
* 1989: Painting and Sculpture: Highbury Grove Secondary School
* 1988: Sculpture, Poetry and Story Telling: Bluegate Fields Primary School
* 1986: Sculpture, Poetry and Story Telling : Sheen Mount Secondary School
==== ”National Commission and Task Team Membership” ====
{| class=”wikitable”
| valign=”top” |2019 – 2020
| valign=”top” |Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities
|-
| valign=”top” |2014 – 2017
| valign=”top” |Board Member, National Commission on Moral Regeneration
|-
| valign=”top” |2012 – 2013
| valign=”top” |Chair, Ministerial Advisory Project on African Languages in Higher Education
|-
| valign=”top” |2007 – 2013
| valign=”top” |Chair, Ministerial Advisory Committee on Indigenous Knowledge Systems
|-
| valign=”top” |2009 – 2010
| valign=”top” |Chair, Arts and Culture 2010 Ministerial Task Team
|-
| valign=”top” |2004 – 2009
| valign=”top” |Commissioner, Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims
|-
| valign=”top” |2003
| valign=”top” |Member, Ministerial Task Team Traditional Leadership
|-
| valign=”top” |2002
| valign=”top” |Member, Ministerial Project Committee National Curriculum Statement for Further Education and Training
|-
| valign=”top” |2002
| valign=”top” |Member, Task Team for Indigenous Knowledge System
|-
| valign=”top” |2002
| valign=”top” |Member, Task Team for Restoring Cultural – Social Fabric
|}
==== ”Selected Publications” ====
* ””’Palestine in My Heart”’.” Publication, Botsotso
* ””’The Arts and National Development”’.” Editor of forthcoming publication. MISTRA
* ””’Scent of Invisible Footprints – the Sculpture of Pitika Ntuli”’.”UNISA. September 2010
* ”I”’ndigenous African Art & Healing: Forgotten Memories, Planting Memories of Tomorrow”’.” In Indilinga. South Africa. 2009
* ””’IKS & African Renaissance Laying the Foundation for a Creation of Counter Hegemonic Discourses””’ in Towards A Philosophy of Articulation: Indigenous Knowledge & the Integration of Knowledge Systems. Ed Dr Catherine Odora- Hopper, New Africa Education Publisher. Cape Town. May 2001
* ””’Participation and Culture in the Era of the African Renaissance: an Overview” in “Participation, Culture and Globalisation””’. Ed Georgy Szell, Dasarath Chetty & Alain Chouroque, Peter Lang. International Publishers. May 2001
* ””’The Missing Link between Education and Culture: Are we still chasing Gods that are Not our own?”’ i”n African Renaissance, The New Struggle. Ed Prof. W. M. Makgoba. 1999
* ””’Speaking Truth to Power””’. Alteration Vol 6, no.1, 1999
* ””’Who is Afraid of the African Renaissance?””’ Indicator, The Barometer of Social Trends. Winter Vol. 15 No. 2 1998
* ””’The Battle for South Africa’s Mind: In conversation””’. Africa World Review. Nov 1994, April 1995
* ””’Return to the Source””’. Catalogue Essay, Angel Row Gallery. Nottingham, UK.1994
* ””’Fragments from a Telescope: A Response to Albie Sachs”.”’ Third Text, No 23, 1993
* ””’At the Nerve End of our Dream””’. Catalogue Poetics, Greenwich Citizens Gallery. 1990
* ””’Models and Fabrications””’. Review Essay. Ed W Cobbett and R Cohen, PAL Platform, Vol. 1 No. 1 1989
* ””’Open Veins Backbone of our Struggle””’. Catalogue Essay, 198 Gallery, London. 1989
* ””’Orature, in Storms of the Heart””’. Ed K Owusu. Comedia Publishers. London. 1987
* ””’Equality of Opportunity in the South African Agricultural Sector””’: ILO Egalite. 1984
* ””’Background to Labour Law in South Africa””’, ILO Egalite. 1984
* ””’Trial of Christopher Okigbo”.”’ Review Essay, Swaziland Today, Vol.11, No. 1, 1972
== References ==
== References ==
South African sculptor, poet, writer and academic (born 1942)
Pitika Ntuli (born February 18, 1942) is a South African sculptor, poet, writer, and academic. His work explores African spirituality, identity, and the legacy of colonialism through a multidisciplinary practice that blends art, language, and activism. Ntuli spent over three decades in political exile during apartheid, living in Eswatini and the United Kingdom before returning to South Africa in the early 1990s.[1][2]
Biography
Born in Springs, Gauteng, and raised in Witbank, Mpumalanga, [3] Pitika Ntuli became politically active in the struggle against apartheid, which led to his arrest and eventual exile.[4] From 1963, he lived in Eswatini where on April 7, 1978, he was arrested under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act and detained as a political prisoner. He spent a year in solitary confinement in a death row cell at Matsapha Central Prison before international pressure on both the South African and Eswatini authorities secured his release, after which he relocated to the United Kingdom.[5]
After his release, Ntuli pursued studies in New York City at the Pratt Institute, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree, and later a Master of Arts degree in Comparative Industrial Relations and Industrial Sociology from Brunel University in London.[4] After completing these studies, he returned to England and began a career teaching at educational institutions, notably the Camberwell College of Art, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, the London College of Printing, Middlesex University, and the University of East London. In 1994, following South Africa’s democratic transition, Ntuli returned home and began lecturing in Fine Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.[4] He later served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Durban-Westville until 2003.
Art and exhibitions
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Ntuli has held numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where he also organised several international art and cultural events. His sculptures are held in private collections worldwide, including those of Paul Simon, Phuthuma Nhleko, and Edward and Irene Akufo-Addo. Public sculptures by Ntuli can be found in institutions such as the Swaziland National Bank, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lobamba, COSATU House in Johannesburg, and Dieploof in Soweto.
Despite his international presence, Ntuli did not exhibit in South Africa until 2010, more than a decade after returning from exile. His first South African exhibition, held at Museum Africa, Johannesburg,[6][7] was accompanied by the publication The Scent of Invisible Footprints: The Sculpture of Pitika Ntuli by the University of South Africa (UNISA).[8] Subsequent exhibitions included showings at the Durban Art Gallery and the UNISA Gallery in Pretoria in 2011, as well as at Constitutional Hill, Melrose Arch, and the Oliver Tambo Cultural Centre in Ekurhuleni.
An expert on African indigenous knowledge systems,[9] Ntuli is recognised as a political and cultural commentator and a frequent guest on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He is also a published poet and has performed his work at numerous forums.[10] Ntuli has contributed to national and provincial task teams and ministerial advisory committees. He served as a judge for the Sunday Times Literary Awards in 2009 and chaired the 2010 task team that advised the South African Minister of Arts and Culture on cultural programmes associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
Activism and Art Initiatives
Ntuli has collaborated with a number of organisations, including Amnesty International. He has also been involved with Index on Censorship, a magazine dedicated to freedom of expression and promoting artistic and political dialogue. He played a key role in founding several arts initiatives. These include Apples & Snakes, one of Europe’s leading poetry circuits based in London, and Jenako Arts, a multidisciplinary arts centre that promoted the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
In 2013, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Visual Art from the Arts and Culture Trust and Vodacom Foundation.[10] In 2020, his exhibition Azibuyele Emasisweni (Return to the Source)[11] comprised works sculpted solely from bone, presented online during the COVID-19 pandemic.[12] The exhibition won a Global Fine Art people’s choice award,[13][14] and was subsequently shown at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in 2022 and the Durban Art Gallery in March 2023.[15] In 2024 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Language Practice by Tshwane University of Technology.[16]
