Contemporary South African art celebrated one of its brightest voices on 26 June as Johannesburg-born, Amsterdam-based artist Simnikiwe Buhlungu was announced as the winner of the 2025/2026 MTN x UJ New Contemporaries Award (NCA) during the opening ceremony of the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Presented by the UJ Art Gallery in partnership with the MTN SA Foundation, with institutional support from Iziko Museums South Africa, the prestigious award continues to spotlight emerging contemporary artists whose work pushes creative boundaries while engaging with the realities of the present.
This year’s exhibition, titled Holding sp(l)ace for the in__between, is curated by Amogelang Maledu and features the work of four exceptional artists: Simnikiwe Buhlungu, Zara Julius, thato makatu and Unathi Mkonto.
Following deliberation by an independent panel comprising Christine Dixie, Shalom Mushwana and Rucera Seethal, Buhlungu was selected as the overall winner, earning the coveted R100,000 cash prize.
A practice rooted in listening, memory and knowledge
Buhlungu’s artistic practice has steadily earned international recognition for its thoughtful exploration of how knowledge is created, shared and understood.
Working across sound, installation, publishing and text, her research-driven practice examines socio-historical narratives while inviting audiences to consider the spaces between what is spoken, remembered and experienced.
Her award-winning installation, presented as part of the MTN x UJ New Contemporaries exhibition, draws inspiration from gospel traditions and diasporic memory. Through immersive sound, it reflects on histories of Black mobility, collective listening and layered experiences of time.
Judge Rucera Seethal described the installation as “impactful on entering,” noting that it “holds space definitively for layered engagement.”
Fellow adjudicator Shalom Mushwana praised Buhlungu’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility.
“Simnikiwe distils ideas in ways that exist on the edge of accessibility, whilst inviting the viewer to participate in the act of listening, climbing and viewing from a variety of perspectives,” Mushwana said.
Recognition for an already remarkable career
The award marks another significant milestone for Buhlungu, whose work has become recognised for its intellectual depth and poetic sensitivity.
Accepting the honour, she expressed gratitude to the organisations, collaborators and creative influences that shaped her journey.
She thanked the teams from the University of Johannesburg, MTN SA Foundation, National Arts Festival and Iziko Museums South Africa, while also acknowledging fellow collaborators, family, friends and the many forms of knowledge, sound and practice that continue to inspire her work.
Celebrating bold contemporary voices
UJ Art Gallery Curator Dr Dineke Orton congratulated all participating artists while highlighting the significance of Buhlungu’s achievement.
“A huge congratulations to all the artists who participated in this year’s MTN x UJ New Contemporaries Award, and a special acknowledgement to our deserving winner for 2026, Simnikiwe,” said Orton.
She described the recognition as thoroughly deserved and praised Buhlungu’s fearless creativity, adding that the gallery looks forward to seeing her continue building an already compelling artistic career.
Orton also recognised curator Amogelang Maledu for creating an exhibition that allows each participating artist’s voice to remain distinct while contributing to a cohesive and thought-provoking experience.
According to Orton, the exhibition reflects exceptional curatorial sensitivity, creating meaningful dialogue between diverse artistic practices while giving each artist space to flourish.
An exhibition that embraces the contemporary moment
Rather than following a traditional themed exhibition format, Holding sp(l)ace for the in__between embraces the complexity of the present.
Through themes including refusal, collective survival, Black feminist thought, home, breath and land, the exhibition encourages audiences to reflect on contemporary society through multiple perspectives.
Sound, memory and lived experience become central elements, creating an exhibition that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
The exhibition demonstrates the continued role of contemporary art as a platform for conversation, reflection and social engagement.
A partnership nurturing South African talent
Since its inception, the MTN x UJ New Contemporaries Award has created opportunities for emerging artists while strengthening South Africa’s contemporary arts landscape.
The collaboration between UJ Art Gallery, the MTN SA Foundation, the National Arts Festival and Iziko Museums South Africa continues to provide artists with valuable exposure, professional development and national recognition.
Orton thanked all partners for their ongoing commitment to supporting young artists and ensuring the award continues to leave a lasting legacy.
She described the collaboration as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when cultural institutions and corporate partners invest in artistic excellence.
Experience the exhibition
Visitors attending the National Arts Festival have the opportunity to experience Holding sp(l)ace for the in__between until 5 July 2026 at the Gallery in the Round and New Gallery inside the Monument Building in Makhanda.
Featuring the work of four outstanding contemporary artists and led by the award-winning installation of Simnikiwe Buhlungu, the exhibition offers a compelling exploration of identity, memory, sound and the spaces that connect them.
As South Africa’s contemporary art scene continues to evolve, the MTN x UJ New Contemporaries Award once again demonstrates the power of emerging voices to challenge perspectives, spark dialogue and shape the future of African creativity.
