On 10 July 2025, I had the incredible honour of attending the launch of The Heritage Experience, a beautifully curated celebration of South Africa’s journey, spirit and creativity, hosted at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.
The event brought together three extraordinary collaborators: The Diamond Works, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and The Artists Gallery Cape Town. Each partner brought a unique layer to the experience: heritage, craftsmanship, and art, blending together in one unforgettable launch.
What Is The Heritage Experience?
The Heritage Experience is rooted in humanity and legacy. It offers visitors an authentic way to explore South Africa’s story, from its challenges to its triumphs, through a private exhibition honouring the life and impact of Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It’s about understanding where we come from and imagining where we’re going, all through the lens of art, culture and community.
The Launch: A Day to Remember
The event kicked off with warm welcomes, live marimba music, and vibrant energy from the moment guests arrived. We were treated to delicious food, refreshing drinks, and an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
The speaker line-up was powerful, with voices from tourism, design, legacy leadership and the arts sharing personal insights and reflections on the meaning of Ubuntu and cultural storytelling.
One of the standout moments was the unveiling of the UBUNTU pendant, created by The Diamond Works. Set with a petite natural diamond, this locally crafted piece symbolises humanity, kindness and peace. Even more inspiring, proceeds from each pendant go directly to support the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation’s mission for education and leadership.
A Moment of History
Another incredible moment was the exclusive unveiling of a limited collector’s edition of Nelson Mandela’s iconic release photograph by acclaimed war journalist and photographer Mark Peters. The photo, capturing Mandela’s first steps to freedom with his fist raised in triumph, holds immense emotional power, and seeing it in person felt like witnessing history.
Why It Matters
The Heritage Experience isn’t just an exhibition. It’s a meaningful invitation to reconnect with our roots, celebrate our culture, and build bridges through storytelling and collaboration. In a world that often moves too fast, this experience slows things down and reminds us of what truly matters: humanity, unity, and legacy.
I left the launch inspired by the passion of the people behind this project, the artistry in every detail, and the message at its heart. If you’re in Cape Town (or planning to visit), The Heritage Experience is something you truly shouldn’t miss.
It’s more than a tour. It’s a reminder of who we are, and the power of UBUNTU: “I am, because we are.”
EXPERIENCE DETAILS:
- The Heritage Experience – up to 60 people (larger groups can be split into 2)
- To visit the TRUTH to POWER Exhibition independently, available Tuesday to Saturday, 09:30 to 15:30 visit https://www.tutu.org.za/truth-to-power/
Text by Patrycja / Images travel opulent box