Bhekisani Manyoni, artist, is born in Greytown

On 6 September 1945, Bhekisani Manyoni was born in Greytown, Natal (now KwaZulu Natal). He later moved with his family to the Dundee area, near Rorke's Drift, where he attended the Rorke's Drift Art School. After attending Rorke's Drift for his primary education, Manyoni attended Maphumulo Junior Secondary School, but returned to Rorke's Drift in Standard 7 (Grade 9) to complete his education, and remained there for the next three years. At Rorke's Drift, Manyoni was mentored by Leon de Smit, a Belgian-born artist. At the centre, he also took classes in fine arts, in particular ceramics and weaving. Here Manyoni also befriended John Muafengejo, who was to have an influence on his work. In 1970, Manyoni was appointed as curator of the Pandora Gallery in Mbabane, Swaziland, and in 1979 he began to teach at the Katlehong Art Gallery. Today, Manyoni's specialisation is in ceramic sculpture and lino design, and he has exhibited in many countries, including Holland and Germany. Manyoni also creates wood carvings and has received several awards, including the Hans Merensky Trust Award. References: Ifa Lethu,(2010) 'Bhekisani Manyoni: Biography' ,[online] Available at: www.ifalethu.org.za [Accessed 30 August 2010] Rankin, E.D (1989) Images of Wood: aspects of the history of sculpture in 20th-century South Africa, Johannesburg Art Gallery, 1989, p.124