Gerald Machona, intervention with the then-Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University, Dr Saleem Badat (2011)

Arts Lounge run by the Visual and Performing Arts of Africa research team

In 2011 the Arts Lounge organised a public discussion on constructions of  ‘strangers’ and concepts of ‘strangeness’ in the context of Afrophobia in South Africa. Participants included Biggie Samwanda, Rachel Baasch, Sam Naidu, James Gambiza, Dotun Makun, Maurice Mbikayi, Gerald Machona and Ruth Simbao. During the discussion, Machona presented Dr Badat with a handmade tie that he created by stitching together decommissioned Zimbabwean dollars, reflecting his use of currency in his broader art practice. Initially wearing the tie himself, Machona took if off and placed it around the neck of Dr Badat, offering it to him as a gift and as a symbol of exchange and mutual respect.

Photos: Ruth Simbao