Tour & Taste: The Purple Plate

In commemoration of Human Rights Day on 21 March 2025, the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria proudly presents Tour and Taste: The Purple Plate—a unique fusion of art and culinary storytelling. This immersive experience brings powerful works in We, The Purple exhibition into conversation with the talented Chef Gontse Mai's mouth-watering dishes inspired by Mzansi’s rich traditional cuisines- weaving together histories, culture, and lived experiences that have shaped the nation’s past and present.

Artworks to see..

Guests will encounter iconic works such as the Union Building by Noria Mabasa, Song of the Pick and Yellow Houses, District Six paintings by Gerard Sekoto, and Helen Sebidi’s Mo Mahaeng Ke Mathata (Home is Difficult) serving as the inspiration for an equally evocative menu. Other artworks include pieces by renowned artist Walter Battiss, Willie Bester, Gladys Mgudlandlu, and Maggie Laubser which are drawn from prestigious collections such as the Javett Family Collection, the South32 Collection, and the Bongi Dhlomo Collection, all housed at Javett-UP.

What’s on the menu?

The culinary journey will feature South African favourites with a creative twist: from protein-rich Mopane worms and beloved biltong to innovative pairings with thyme, a braai in a bite. Guests can savour a fresh, vibrant South African salad, indulge in the comforting warmth of amagwinya (vetkoek), and round off the experience with sweet traditional treats like syrupy koeksisters and soft sponge cake- a trip down memory lane with nostalgic dishes. 

“We like to tell stories with our food and make the food part of the conversation”- Gontse Mai.

Event details

Date 21 March 2025

Time: 14:30-19:00

Venue: Javett-UP, 23 Lynnwood Road

Tickets are selling at Webtickets online and in person at Javett-UP or via email bookings@javettup.com. 

This event is presented by Javett-UP in collaboration with Oh My Catering and is made possible by the support of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.