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How we choose to expose ourselves to the tactile narratives of space, place and time have become extremely important. The human technology we seem to avoid, is much more complex than we expect. In this podcast, the conversation reverberate three central thematic areas that are quick to miss when people are turned to graphs in books of academics.

people are turned to graphs in books of academics. — Lesego Rampolokeng

Firstly, interacting with space and capturing it’s narrative, listening to the voices, scents and experiences can have a transformative effect on individuals. Spatial vocabularies evolve through actual, tactile exposure and day to day interaction– beyond tourism, site visits and policy positions that lack deep reflection. This was something Fred Khumalo argued quite well, among other things.

Secondly, Zukiswa Wanner presents two tiers in her contribution. On one hand, perhaps it makes little sense to have a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes without the sociology, creativity and histories that inspired each proponent of the acronym. In my view that she recommended that we look at the impact of STEAM, as an engine for both industrial development, cultural revival and genuine mobility across the continent. On the other hand she emphasized that we have a tendency to complicate our lives– for instagram maybe– to the extent that the barriers to entry seem so high for regional mobility. The constrains she highlights seem attitudinal over and above tactile. This is very synonymous with Yasser Booley’s work with Aurecon recently.

…movement as a source, transferring and manifestation of values.

Thirdly, it’s quite interesting to consider the impact of mobility on social transformation and culture tractions, exchanges and proliferation. Niq Mhlongo actually puts this out quite subtly and on a different plane of interaction. He argues that boundaries are beginnings, which from a spatial planning perspective this is such a profound point. I’ve struggled with modeling boundary dynamics in Africa, and some studies show for instance that the Provincial boundaries are inefficient spatially and should be redrawn. While they also reflect linguistic, social-cultural interfaces for fascination and new learning.

Which practically sets the tone for an exciting direction–deeper into movement as a source, transferring and manifestation of values.

This event was organized by Galefele Molema, Tshepiso Kay , Otlilwe from Mr Bo Media and I. Hosted at Protea Hotel in Mahikeng it served as our first installment in the literary scene and activation initiative. We’ve so far had three, and an intervention from Joan Legalamitlwa. All the events were free.