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#DI2020: Most Beautiful Object in South Africa

The winner of Design Indaba's MBOISA Award, Izandla Zethu African Jewellery's, 'Delicate Bracelet'

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By Gugulethu Mkhabela | July 28, 2020 | Art

After three days packed with awe-inspiring designs, mind-blowing and captivating talks, masterclasses, exhibitions and live music — the Design Indaba conference announced the winner of 2020’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA), on 28 February 2020.

The coveted accolade was awarded to Izandla Zethu African Jewellery’s, ‘Delicate Bracelet’. Izandla Zethu is a non-profit community-based initiative in Port Elizabeth.

The bracelet is made from recycled corrugated iron sheet and was nominated by multi-award winning and Limpopo-born artist and activist, Blessing Ngobeni. 'The material got me thinking about the meaning of beauty, and how art should be honest and truthful. I like the fact that this piece has been handmade from recycled material. A piece of material that we as South Africans are very familiar with and hold dear to us. ‘Izandla Zethu’ means ‘our hands’ in isiXhosa, and the object inspires young people to open their eyes to existing opportunities in their immediate environment, and use their skills to help combat youth unemployment’, said Ngobeni.

The artist nominated the bracelet because it supports and gives opportunities to previously disadvantaged individuals and communities. 'I love the purpose and idea of MBOISA, because it gives us artists an opportunity to think about what other people are doing out there, and most importantly for me, it’s a way of giving back as an artist.'

See the 2020 nominations and their nominees here.