By Akani Nkuna
The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), in partnership with the Presidency, has launched the Portraits of Power exhibition to honour anti-apartheid activist Charlotte Maxeke and amplify her legacy as a pioneer of women’s rights and social justice in South Africa.
The exhibition was unveiled at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, high commissioners and community representatives as South Africa marks Women’s Month and the 125th anniversary of Maxeke’s graduation from university.
CMMI Strategic Leader Kimberly Nkuku said the exhibition was designed to present Maxeke’s life and achievements as a complete narrative, rather than the fragmented accounts that have often defined her legacy.
“Our mission is to tell Charlotte Maxeke’s story as a whole. That is where Portraits of Power was born — bringing together the story of one woman in a single form. And what better way to do it than through art and creative expression,” Nkuku told Inside Politics.
“She had the courage to travel to the United States by ship at a time when slavery had only recently been abolished, yet many people do not know her full story. Maxeke’s story is also not unique to her. Women in many countries experienced similar oppression.”
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Maxeke was the first Black South African woman to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University in Ohio, graduating in 1903. She went on to become one of South Africa’s foremost political and social activists, campaigning for women’s rights, education and racial equality.
The exhibition features portraits of influential women from South Africa and other countries, with diplomats from Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique and Brazil participating in the launch to celebrate women leaders and activists from their respective nations.
Nkuku said the institute aims to use multiple forms of artistic expression to preserve and expand Maxeke’s legacy, particularly among younger generations.
“What we are trying to do is ensure that art — not only portraits, but also fashion, sculpture and architecture — tells these stories in ways that resonate with new audiences,” she said.
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Delivering the keynote address, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the exhibition symbolised courage and leadership that transcend national borders.
She described Maxeke as a model of women’s empowerment whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Ntshavheni pledged government’s support for the initiative, saying the history of humanity cannot be fully told without recognising the role women have played in advancing freedom and human rights.
“We must also acknowledge that the journey to full equality is not yet complete. There remains work to be done to ensure that women everywhere in the world have equal access to opportunities, resources, platforms for leadership and education,” she said.
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga described Portraits of Power as a timely initiative that will help preserve the legacy of women who fought for justice and equality.
“Our responsibility is not only to honour the women who changed the system; it is to ensure that the next generation of women has the power to define its own future. A portrait on a wall is a beginning, not a destination,” Chikunga said.
