Welcome to the George Pemba Art Foundation Site

Our Foundation was inspired by Dr George Pemba and is now driven by his grandson Bobo Pemba with the vision of  facilitating the education of  the historically disadvantaged artists in South Africa and to allow their creative potential to be developed in an environment that is not favorable to encouraging the budding artist of tommorow.

Our  Vision is is not merely about financial assistance but is rooted in the need for  all Africans regardless of race or gender to remember those dark days and that even during the tribulations encountered compassion and creativity was able to endure.

Dr George Pema was and is still internationally recognised as the Grand Master of South African art.  He symbolises all facets of the arts within the context of South Africa's oppressive past.  He is a symbol of the rich artistic potential of black South Africans; his artistic genius triumphed against all artistic odds with the arts fraternity; his history and story is one of perservering and proving racial strereotypes wrong; he is the miracle who painted during South Africa's darkest years, when no black South African was expected to do so, or supported when doing so.

Over decades of commitment, and inspired by his passion for the canvas, he perfected his tool - both water colours and oil onto canvas.  His subject is the poignant social realism of township life - through what could, superficially, be perceived as a simplistic reflection of life in the New Brighton township and Eastern Cape surrounds. He painted the harsh story of life in a South African township at the height of Apartheid's oppression.

Many have been inspired by his works, his dreams and his vision for the arts being a healing and expession form for all in Africa to appreciate as a way of being able to be tolorant of all cultures as diverse as their art.

Today, he is symonymous with the arts in Port Elizabeth as seen by those who struggled under the apartheid regimes of our not so distant past.

The story of George Pemba can be told in many ways, but the artistic inspiration and perseverance must be captured for those artists who will follow in his footsteps, albeit in a more supportive era. 

It is important for the heritage of Port Elizabeth that the inspiration of Pemba goes beyond the realms of art galleries and exquisite paintings.  To pay homage to Pemba would be to vigorously engage with the arts with the same discipline which he is notorious for.  Thus it would suggest that a venture that goes beyond disconnected viewing should be embarked upon.  Such a venture would give practical and tangible meaning to the legacy of George Pemba. 

It is also important that his story of ownership be taken into account in such a venture - although it is commonly accepted that while George Pemba is seen as a son of all of Port Elizabeth, it is  necessary to bring to a close the chapter of the exploitation of his past, art and intellectual property, and ensure that it is vested with those who have his vsion at heart and that honestly require assistance in this regard.

The common thread which brings us all together, is the excellence and appreciation of our heritage and society in visual art despite the historic factors that have influenzed us all.