There is a saying that two bulls can’t be kept in the same kraal as this would lead to a power struggle. Yet Vilakazi Street was home to two Nobel Laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, whose relationship was built on co-operation.
A bull made from steel mounted on a concrete plinth.
In African culture, the saying goes, Inkunzi Ezimbili (two bulls) Azibusi Esibayeni (don't rule)
Esisodwa (in the kraal).
The artwork is symbolic of two forceful leaders who chose very different routes to bring about freedom during the struggle against apartheid. Ironically they shared the same 'kraal' at 8115 Vilakazi Street, corner Ngakane Streets, Orlando West, Soweto. This was Nelson Mandela's first house in Johannesburg and is diagonally opposite the house of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu who moved there in 1975.
Nelson Mandela spent his first night of freedom after being released from prison in Archbishop Tutu and his wife Leah's house in Cape Town. Both Tutu and Mandela were recognised by winning a Nobel Peace Prize ten years apart. The two men spoke of each other with tenderness and reverence.
"Sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humour, Desmond Tutu's voice will always be the voice of the voiceless"
- Former President Nelson Mandela
"God clearly has a soft spot for us because He gave us a memorable man, Nelson Mandela, for which we South Africans will forever be grateful. We are richly blessed to have him in our midst and to be able to bask in his reflected glory."
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
There is a saying that two bulls can’t be kept in the same kraal as this would lead to a power struggle. Yet Vilakazi Street was home to two Nobel Laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, whose relationship was built on co-operation.
2024 © City Of Johannesburg — Arts, Culture & Heritage
