In 2019, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza was set to retire as the first Black chairman of Barloworld in its 118 year old history and the organisation needed to do something extremely memorable to honour his tenure at the helm. He is not only the chairman but a teacher, a lawyer, a freedom fighter, Vice Chancellor, a former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner and an overall humanitarian who believes in equality and fairness. Through research we found that not a lot has been documented about this prolific man so we set out to on a quest to crystallise and celebrate his work and contribution.

We proposed to capture his life story in a feature length documentary and a coffee table book, both entitled The Art of Being Human, as well as hosting a gala farewell dinner. We wanted to celebrate, acknowledge and document Advocate Ntsebeza’s motivation for his selfless work and explore how it has impacted those closest to him, both professionally and personally. We explored how his life has touched many throughout his time. We interviewed family, friends and colleagues in order to get a whole-rounded view of the man. I led the production crew to the Eastern Cape, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria, to tell his story faithfully.

We followed his origins to his roots in Cala, Eastern Cape. We also travelled to Umthata, Tsolo, Tsomo, Mdantsane and The University of Fort Hare to trace his early life and interview friends, family and colleagues he interacted with along his journey.

We also went to Cape Town, Pretoria and in and around Johannesburg to capture the latter part of his life. Some of the noteable people we interviewed were General Bantu Holomisa, Advocate Dali Mpofu, Advocate Christina Qunta, Lieutenant General Derrick Mgwebi and Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to name a few.

The coffee table book was a mirrored reflection of the film as it also traced his life through images we took during production, illustrations, sketches, archives, family albums etc. It also included handwritten letters from friends and family to the chairman.

This was an in-depth study into a man’s mind and life to understand how his desire for equality and humanity shaped the course of his life and the trajectory of South African history, law and corporate culture. He has moulded the current make up of Barloworld through his policies on diversity, inclusivity and equality and today it is a true reflection of the country’s demographics and has its first black female chairperson in its 118 year history.

The elements came to life at The Apartheid Museum for the gala dinner with colleagues, friends and family. Azania Mosaka was the MC and excerpts of the film were shown to the guests throughout the evening along with musical performances by Nduduzo Makhathini, Judith Sephuma, Ntokozo Mbambo, Zandile Mzazi, Ndlovu Youth Choir and The Vuyani Dance Theatre to mention a few.  Everyone was gifted with the full version of the documentary and the coffee table book as parting gifts.

I conceptualised and did the creative direction on the entire project.  I  wrote the script for the documentary and co-directed it. I wrote copy for the coffee table book and led its creative direction simultaneously while overseeing the production of the film. 

In 2020 the film screened at the following festivals: 

In 2020, the coffee table book won the following award:

Designer/ Illustrator: Sechaba Kgalala

Photographer: Mlungisi Mlungwana

Production: BarLeader

The Art of Being Human - Trailer

The Art of Being Human Coffee Table Book

Illustrations

Farewell Gala Dinner - Apartheid Museum