Jessica Glendinning

Policy Officer Culture and Media for the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa

[Department of Sport, Arts and Culture @SportArtsCultur]

Heritage is about belonging under this year’s theme: “Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.”
As we reimagine institutions, we build inclusive spaces for all South Africans to belong, no matter their heritage. Museums are central to our country’s transformation journey.

Without a deliberate reimagining of museums as inclusive, forward-facing hubs for creativity, fun and impact, the sector risks becoming irrelevant in a rapidly changing society.

Lets all come together to ensure our heritage stories have functional and interactive infrastructure

#HetitageMonth2025 #HeritageMomentum

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

A great loss. Her talent was astounding.

[Artslink.co.za @artslinkcoza]

Remembering Dada Masilo: A South African Dance Icon @joburgtheatre https://t.co/6J02U3XcIj

It is with profound sadness that we learn of the untimely passing of Dada Masilo, an unconventional South African dancer and choreographer.

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Incredible afternoon with the Vox Chamber Choir and their amazing conductor/composer Franco Prinsloo
@choir_vox @FrancoPrinsloo1

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

In 2025, we will open an exhibition in Freedom Park on the Dutch anti-apartheid movement, with the archives of @SAHAnews, @IISG_Amsterdam and @NelsonMandela, titled ‘Beyond Borders: Dutch – South African Solidarity Shaping the Past, Present and Future’. #preview #BeyondBorders

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

Six of these Dutch anti-apartheid activists are now memorialised on the Wall of Names in Freedom Park. They were paid homage through videos with personal anecdotes shared by fellow South African and Dutch anti-apartheid activists. #internationalsolidarity

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

In her keynote speech, Amb Brigitte Mabandla spoke of friendship and solidarity, referring to our shared commitment to multilateralism, women’s rights and culture. Dutch anti-apartheid activist Martin Jansen mentioned how the fight against apartheid changed many activists’ lives.

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

Yamoria’s commissioned poem, titled ‘Unclenched Fists’, was published in a booklet with a beautiful cover design by Vix & Zhi Illustration, facilitated by @HearMyVoiceSA. Dr Jane Mufamadi, CEO of Freedom Park, will receive a large version of the poem to be hung at Freedom Park.

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

The audience was enchanted by the uplifting voices of the @UPYouthChoir, stirred by the moving story of Freedom Park’s storytellers Thandi Ramncwana and Kopano Mahlasi and blown away by the powerful words of @Yamoria_. #UnclenchedFists #upyouthchoir

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

On the 14th of November, we hosted our event ‘Beyond Borders’ in partnership with @freedomparksa, @SAHAnews and @IISG_Amsterdam, in celebration of 30 years of South African democracy and Dutch-South African solidarity in the struggle against apartheid. #Freedom30 #SouthAfrica30

[Joanne Doornewaard @Joan_ned]

Great fun in the eNCA studios tonight, telling about our ‘beyond borders’ event @FreedomPark, how important to involve youth and culture when we celebrate and commemorate! With poet duo Yamoria! @eNCA

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

A preview of ‘Beyond Borders’, our event in partnership with @freedomparksa @SAHAnews & @IISG_Amsterdam, with performances by @UPYouthChoir @Yamoria_ and storytellers from Freedom Park, and a keynote address by Ambassador Brigitte Mabandla. #BeyondBorders

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Fantastic conversation on @Powerfm987 right now with @Joan_ned and Yamoria

[Netherlands in SA @NLinSouthAfrica]

Tune in at 21h00 at @Powerfm987 to hear poetry duo @Yamoria_ and our Ambassador @Joan_ned speak about our co-creative event ‘Beyond Borders’, a celebration of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy and Dutch-South African solidarity in the anti-apartheid movement. #BeyondBorders

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Great interview this morning on Channel Africa Radio. Talking to Benjamin Moshatama and Palesa Tau #OnTheMove about how @NLinSouthAfrica are celebrating 30 years of 🇿🇦 democracy and the Dutch contribution to the international solidarity movement. @channelafrica1

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Back to Den Haag for a children's dance performance by De Stilte in the beautiful cultural centre Amare. The audience (7+) were entranced. De Stilte have visited South Africa many times and we hope to see them back again soon. https://t.co/aPsBCYaOZM

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

My final day started in Rotterdam joined by my colleague Minke at the Kunstinstituut Melly to visit Director Gabi Ngobo. Newishly arrived in Amsterdam from Pretoria Gabi has started her appointment with an incredible programme.
https://t.co/kOSyxmERQh

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Lunch at Het Nieuwe Instituut to discuss ongoing projects and potential areas of cooperation in South Africa. The Dutch are famous for their approach to design, which extends beyond how things look to how things function, including social systems.
https://t.co/vfcCfBpD4p

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Last stop - Affect Lab at the Volkshotel Broedplaats VKG. This award winning creative studio and research practice is wonderfully 🇳🇱🇿🇦 Their new work will be premiering in Cape Town next year. I have a feeling it is going to blow South Africa away.
https://t.co/1nlzxD1k5z

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Tuesday I met my counterparts at the South African Embassy in the Netherlands. We had a great chat about the ongoing 🇿🇦🇳🇱 cultural cooperation and the wealth of cultural exchange we see between our countries. @DIRCO_ZA @SportArtsCultur @NLinSouthAfrica

[Jessica Glendinning @CultureNLinSA]

Loving the public art in the Bijlmer!
We made a quick stop into the Open Space Contemporary Art Museum (OSCAM) to learn a little about their inclusive training model.
https://t.co/O9EVnI4p0M