The Forge

Please join us for a book discussion on Dismantling Green Colonialism: Energy and Climate Justice in the Arab Region with author/editor, Dr Hamza Hamouchene in conversation with Lebohang Liepollo Pheko and Yvonne Phyllis.
Date: Tuesday 10 September 2024
Time: 6pm
Free to attend
Venue: The Forge, 87 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

The Forge and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) invite you to “Marikana: 12 years of disruption, loss and denial since 2012” - a commemorative event to mourn, remember and revive the collective call for . The event brings together a panel discussion as well as music and poetry.

Date: Saturday, 10 August 2024
Time: 1pm
Venue: The Forge, Ground Floor, 87 De Korte St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Photograph of miners by Greg Marinovich

Here’s a look at more memorable moments from the "Izimpabanga Zomhlaba" launch! From the vibrant energy to the heartfelt interactions, these photos capture the essence of an unforgettable evening.

A special thanks once again to everyone who celebrated with us.

Highlights from the Book Launch of "Izimpabanga Zomhlaba"

The book "Izimpabanga Zomhlaba," translated by Dr. Makhosazana Xaba and published by Inkani Books, was celebrated with great enthusiasm. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and to the talented artists who contributed to the event.

Photographer: .jpg

Amanzi Sessions aim to promote sobriety in our communities while showcasing beautiful artistry. From heartfelt poetry to engaging theatre, every moment was impressive. The performers displayed their craft with passion and skill. Thanks to everyone who joined us; we hope you take something meaningful from these sessions.

Join us for the fourth instalment of Amanzi Session. You won’t want to miss this one! Please RSVP as seats are limited.

Date: 22 March 2024
Venue: The Forge

Join us for the launch of the very first IsiZulu translation of Frantz Fanon's book, "Wretched of The Earth"! 📘

The book, "Izimpabanga Zomhlaba," is translated by Dr. Makhosazana Xaba and published by Inkani Books. 📚

Friends of The Forge, We miss you all and can't wait to host you again. Your continuous support in providing a platform for emerging artists is truly amazing. Wishing your organization continued growth and success!

Reflecting back on our collaboration with Jofrica for "The Times: Africa Through Cultural Work," it was a remarkable celebration of the richness of Africa's heritage.
We're grateful to everyone who joined us for this incredible celebration of unity and culture.

greetings Bahlali, we are excited to announce that we will be having another edition of Amanzi Sessions on Monday the 10th of June The Forge

it's gonna be another special one as we will be joined by our grootman alongside and who will be re-enacting Makhafula Vilakazi's poems. facilitating the community engagement and Q&A will be our band members and

the session will start and end with a sonic reflection and and offering by iPhupho L’ka Biko

we highly recommend that you come to the session sober as there won't be any alcohol. only Amanzi will be served. we look forward to pausing & thinking, in sobriety, with you as we continue the fight against systematic oppression.

for your seat, you can RSVP on Quicket link:
https://qkt.io/ygA5oB
..malifezeke...
iPhupho L'ka Biko

Reflecting The Times: Africa Through Cultural Work

Join The Forge and Jofrica Productions for an evening of music,
dance and poetry as we celebrate Africa Liberation Month.

Venue: The Forge
Date: Friday, 31 May 2024
Time: 5pm for 5:30 pm
RSVP: [email protected]

We remember the words of the great poet, Nontsizi Mgqwetho “Asinakuthula umhlaba ubolile: we cannot keep quiet while the world is rotten."

FutureWhatFuture - Outcast Broadcast, Chicago Meets Joburg
Thursday 30 May, 2024
6-8 pm

A poetry reading with Daniel Borzutzky (Chile/USA) and Fred Schmalz (USA), and Sibongakonke Mama, Lesego Rampolokeng, Masande Ntshanga and Unathi Slasha (South Africa).

“We live in a country of massacre, shaped by a history of white-supremacist massacre, of police-and-state massacre, that rages on into the present.
Perhaps we are always, and have always been, writing after a massacre.
‘There are blows in life, so powerful,’ writes Peruvian poet César Vallejo. ‘I don’t know.’
Most of my writing life I have been trying to write poetry that grapples with the various violences we witness, we live with, we absorb.
I have been trying to name the violence clearly and resist its routinization and bureaucratization.
I have been trying, as C. D. Wright says, “not to exonerate or aestheticize immeasurable levels of pain.”
I don’t know.
I write because I know that I don’t know.” - Daniel Borzutzky, from Written After a Massacre in the Year 2018 (2022)

Brought to you by The Commune, The Forge, the Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society, University of Chicago and Creative Writing at Wits University.

The second instalment of Amanzi Session with It's been an incredible journey so far, with two insightful episodes behind us. We hope that each of you has acquired valuable insights to carry forward on your path to sobriety.

We are back!! 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

greetings Bahlali

we are again gathering under the theme, Amanzi Sessions: Love, Healing and Resistance at The Forge . our guest is Veli Mbele ka-Sompisi and facilitated by . its going to be another one for the books. please RSVP via Quicket, link here: https://qkt.io/hk8Blx
..malifezeke...
iPhupho L'ka Biko

Due to ongoing electricity issues in Braamfontein, our facility is currently experiencing power outages, which have also affected our inverters. Consequently, we can't work and don't have access to the internet. However, you're welcome to utilize the space.

The first Amanzi session in partnership with IPhupho L'ka Biko was a great success! We sincerely thank our speakers for their valuable insights. Amanzi sessions are all about promoting sobriety and fostering a welcoming environment for socializing without alcohol.

More about Amanzi Sessions:

“The intention of the programme is to extend The Forge and iPhupho L’ka Biko to the various parts of our society through collaborations with different artists and members of the community. To build a cultural space to reflect, commune, build, heal, cry, and experience the highest form of joyful militancy through art. The programme will be held every Monday from 5pm – 7pm (This is to accommodate individuals who use taxis). Every Monday there will be a different artist feature from poets, writers, fine artists, socio-political activists, other musicians, and comedians.

Through these cultural sessions we will be promoting sobriety, this means the main drink in these sessions should be “Amanzi” and have no alcohol in sight. We can have 15-20-minutes intro political section in the beginning of each session, where we read from a book or commentary from socio-political activists, and these political sections should be around the themes of love, healing, and resistance. The intention is to build a space for healing through the art and hold these sessions religiously every Monday"

Nhlanhla catches up with Katlego Msomi from to chat about the exciting 'Amanzi Sessions' in partnership with The Forge. Stay tuned for updates on session dates and how to join in!

iPhupho L'ka Biko Band partners with The Forge to combat alcohol abuse iPhupho L'ka Biko Band leader Nhlanhla Ngqaqu, shares with Katleho Msomi their collaborative effort with The Forge, organizing community events aimed at tack...