Movement Johannesburg

Editor Zahira Asmal centres Movement Johannesburg on the notion of the Arrival City – since the gold rush in 1886, Johannesburg continues to be a place of arrival, where people migrate to in search of gold. Movement Johannesburg critically assesses the city’s history, delves into its colonial and apartheid pasts, and explores the lasting aftershocks of these processes on the city through key pieces by Guy Trangoš, Alex Parker, Magas Pather, Julie-Ann Tyler and Melinda Silverman. Sally Peberdy takes these further by outlining the processes that led to migration in the city, and the forms of cross-border trade that now connect Johannesburg to other Southern African places. Old processes are contrasted by newer conditions, such as the movement of informal recyclers documented by Michael Flanagan, and urban taxi experiences are expressed graphically by Rendani Nemakhavani. Laurice Taitz, Thomas Coggin and Karin Botta explore the quirks, complexities and culture of the changing modern city, while Adam Habib and Thandi Matthews examine the underlying social and political currents that are behind many of the city’s movements. Movement Johannesburg also contains riveting interviews with Edwin Cameron, Pregs Govender and Jay Naidoo on the democratic movement, while Molemo Moiloa interviews artists on the public art movement in the city, and Mayor Parks Tau and Sithole Mbanga reflect on new visions for the city. This beautifully designed book contains engrossing historical imagery, commissioned photographic work, photography by Andrew Tshabangu and artwork by Frances Goodman, all within an easy-to-carry format. This resource offers essential reading and compelling graphics for anyone interested in real stories and insights on this important city in constant motion.