Browse the wire art market in Bela Bela for interesting arts and crafts made from old wire. You can meet the artists, see how they work and get lovely, offbeat gifts at great prices. The wire market in Bela Bela is an inspiring example of recycling. more

South Africa’s cultural and creative diversity is inspirational, but the breadth and variety of experiences on offer can be overwhelming too. So how does a new visitor to South Africa tap into the country’s creative soul and immerse themselves in real and authentic experiences? They look for Hidden Treasures™ … more

Exquisitely moulded clay pots, fantastic wooden carvings, prints, etchings and paintings that explore and breathe new life into ancient traditions; Venda art is as rich and colourful as the land and culture that inspires it. more

The distinctive vision of Walter Battiss reflects a mix of in?uences that positioned him among the world’s artistic avant garde. The Walter Battiss Art Museum in Somerset East is home to a vast collection of his work that reflects his journey from realism towards more abstract, symbolist art. more

Mohair truly is magic: its silky fibres are woven into many items of comfort, such as blankets, scarves, winter hats, sweaters, and fashionable clothes that make their way from a goat in the Karoo to the catwalks of the world. South Africa is seen as the international mohair capital. more

Arab and Phoenician traders first dazzled Africa with their glass beads. Then came the colonists in the form of Portugal, France, Germany and Britain – and the beads they brought were welcomed, especially by the Xhosa people. Today, Xhosa beadwork carries special significance – and is a crucial part of Xhosa culture. more

The Keiskamma Art Project in the Eastern Cape town of Hamburg has helped bring hope and confidence to a group of rural women living in an area plagued by high levels of unemployment. They use their embroidery skills to create tapestries that tell stories reflecting their culture and history. more

Ribolla Art, which celebrates the potters and carvers of Venda, has such a high standard that many senior members on the route are exporting their work and teaching a new generation how to tease magic from wood and clay. This has led to an explosion of talent in the area. more

For international visitors to the country, picking up a unique piece of local wire art is the perfect way to take some of South Africa’s vibrant culture home. South African artists are well known for creating ingenious works of functional and decorative art from discarded metal and telephone wire. more

Ndebele traditions are notable for the colour their women bring to both mural art and their dress, which is accessorised by brass rings around the neck, arms and legs. Ndebele beliefs are based on ancestral worship, which involves a continual dialogue between the living and their ancestors. more

South Africa’s bead art plays an important role in the traditional societies of South African people like the amaZulu, amaXhosa, baSotho, baVenda and amaNdebele. Today, the colourful designs have found their way to the roadside stalls, markets and shops, where gifted craftspeople sell decorative beaded artefacts and jewellery. more

You can find fine beadwork, wire-framed animals, carvings, pots and other African crafts, imaginatively made from a variety of materials, for sale on the side of the road. These objects are good quality, reasonably priced and, often directly benefit the person selling them. more

Public art in South Africa dares people to stop and notice their environment. It breaches boundaries, shifts thinking and encourages debate, while celebrating the cultural diversity that underpins South Africa's identity. South Africa’s public art includes murals, sculptures, mosaics, billboards and performance art. more

South Africa’s cultural diversity ensures that our art and craft markets are as colourful and dynamic as our people. Visit the Khayelitsha Craft Market and find work that boldly reflects the daily reality of life in one of South Africa’s largest townships. more