Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX) aims to recognise emerging Southern African fine artists who demonstrate exceptional talent and help them take the next step in their careers. We spoke with Bekezela Mabena, one of the artists chosen for the programme.
INTERVIEW Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX) is the flagship artist development programme within the Nando’s Art Initiative. It aims to recognise emerging fine artists from Southern Africa who demonstrate exceptional talent. Now in its 15th year, the programme provides these artists with the support they need to advance their careers to the next level.
Each year, the Spier Arts Trust selects four artists and a mentor for the programme, which includes mentorship, material sponsorship, and a group exhibition. This year’s programme features Bekezela Mabena, Luxolo Witvoet, Mpumelelo Samantha Maseko and Viola Greyling. Their exhibition, titled Tiriparwendo — which runs from 13 November 2026 at HUB Gallery — takes its name from a Shona word meaning “we are on a journey”.
We spoke with Bekezela Mabena to find out more about his artistic journey.
What does it mean to you to have your work presented at the Nando’s Creative Exchange?
“Being part of the Nando’s Creative Exchange is both exciting and a little scary. Nando’s has opened doors for so many artists, and it feels like a privilege to now be one of those artists, with the opportunity to share my story and journey on a much bigger platform.
“It’s an opportunity to challenge myself, explore new ideas and connect with different audiences. Being part of a programme that supports artists and encourages us to push our creative boundaries means a great deal to me. I see it as an important step in my journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have come with it.”
Can you tell us about the body of work you’re presenting – what ideas did you explore?
“My work explores themes of movement, time, space, identity and belonging, all of which are deeply connected to my personal experiences.
“I grew up moving between different places in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa when I was 11. Between Grade 1 and Grade 7, I attended seven different schools. These experiences of constantly moving and adapting to new environments have shaped the way I understand the world.
“A central thread in this body of work is the experience of migration, particularly the journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa across the Limpopo River. I’m interested in the courage and resilience that this journey requires, but also the fear, uncertainty and dangers that come with it.
“I also explore what it means to call a place home. Returning to Zimbabwe recently made me reflect on how our understanding of home can change over time. Despite my connection to the place, I sometimes felt like an outsider because of differences in language, dress and culture. These experiences have made me question how movement shapes our identities and our sense of belonging.”
Walk us through your creative process for this body of work – were there any unexpected challenges or breakthroughs along the way?
“My creative process often begins with looking for objects, shapes and materials that connect to ideas of home, memory and identity.
“I use familiar forms, such as squares that resemble the structure of a four-room house, a window or even the shape of an identity photograph. These elements become symbols of belonging and the spaces we occupy.
“In this new body of work, I’ve introduced pins that create shadows when illuminated. The pins themselves are almost invisible until light touches them, revealing something that wasn’t immediately apparent. I find this relationship between visibility and invisibility particularly interesting.
“As the light moves, the shadows shift, almost functioning like a clock marking time or a compass indicating direction. This connects to my ongoing exploration of movement, time and space.
“One of the biggest challenges has been finding ways to translate these complex experiences and emotions into visual forms. But the process has also encouraged me to ask new questions, some of which don’t necessarily have answers. I think that’s part of what makes creating art so interesting.”
How did your mentorship experience inform your approach to this exhibition?
“Mentorship has played an important role in my development as an artist. When I was studying at Jiyana Secondary School in Tembisa, I met Mr Likau Matsena, who introduced me to the possibilities of pursuing art professionally. He opened my eyes to exhibitions and art fairs, which inspired me to continue my studies at Artist Proof Studio after matriculating.
“That early experience showed me how important it is to have people who encourage you to explore your potential and see beyond what you already know.
“Through the Nando’s Creative Exchange, I’ve continued to challenge myself creatively, asking more questions about my work and the ideas behind it. The experience has encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my practice and to embrace the uncertainty that comes with exploring new directions.”
What is one thing from your experience with the NCX programme that you’ll take away with you?
“One of the most valuable things I’ve taken from this experience is the importance of asking questions, even when there aren’t clear answers.
“The programme has challenged me to think more deeply about my work and the ideas of movement, time, space and belonging that continue to shape my practice.
“Having lived in Johannesburg for so long, I’ve also realised how important it is for me to step outside my comfort zone and experience different places and perspectives. Sometimes it’s difficult to reflect on an environment while you’re still living within it.
“I want to continue exploring what migration and movement mean to people across Africa, and how our experiences of different places shape who we become.
“The Creative Exchange has reminded me that artistic growth isn’t always about finding answers. Sometimes it’s about discovering new questions worth exploring.” | @mabenaart
Tiriparwendo is on show at HUB Gallery from 13 November 2026 at Union House, 25 Commercial Street, Cape Town. spierartstrust.co.za | @spierartstrust
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