This sculpture reflects on the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in post-apartheid KwaZulu Natal. Paying homage to their hard work and their lack of access to new technologies, a series of old and used garden hoes protrude from a circular shape. The shape represents a sugar bean seed, the prevasive crop in KwaMbonambi, KwaZuluNatal. The circular structure is covered with soft clay and cow dung containing organic sugar bean seeds which will later germinate and grow. As you get close to the artwork, you will see engraved portraits of the owners of the used garden hoes, which are illuminated by small lights. The work’s title, Imbewu, means “the seed” in isiZulu. This alludes to the promise of smallholder farmers, while the lights in the work reflect hope for a better life and the positive social change that occurs when there is investment in the development of smallholder farmers.

Kenneth Shandu is a contemporary artist based in Durban who creates drawings, prints, sculptures, and installations that explore issues surrounding the economically marginalised masses in post-apartheid South Africa. His awards include first prize in the KZNSA Members’ Exhibition of 2020 and a recommendation prize in the 2019 PPC Imaginarium Art & Design Competition. He currently works as an assistant lecturer in the Fine Arts extended curriculum programme at the Durban University of Technology.