Amogelang Maledu has been chosen as the curator for the 2025-2026 MTN x UJ New Contemporaries Award (NCA). This award program highlights new and emerging artists in South Africa. The announcement was made by the MTN SA Foundation in partnership with the UJ Art Gallery.
Amogelang is an up and coming figure in the SA’s art scene. She was selected for this role by the NCA Legacy Panel, which includes several respected curators and art experts. Her role as curator begins in March, where she will start researching and discovering new talent in contemporary art.
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During this research phase, Amogelang will travel to different galleries, museums, and artists’ studios across South Africa. She will meet with artists and experts to learn more about their work and stories. Dr. Dineke Orton, who is the curator of the UJ Art Gallery, is very excited about Amogelang’s appointment. She believes Amogelang has the ability to shine a light on artists who often go unnoticed and to share their stories in meaningful ways.
In 2026, Amogelang will present an exhibition at the UJ Art Gallery featuring four artists that she selects based on her research. Her focus will be on artists using digital and virtual mediums, which fits perfectly with the MTN Foundation’s goal of connecting art with technology.
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Amogelang expressed her enthusiasm about incorporating virtual reality into the exhibitions, saying it is an exciting opportunity to explore new ways of presenting art. The NCA program opened for curatorial applications in July 2024 at the Free State Arts Festival in Bloemfontein. Amogelang stood out among 37 applicants, showcasing her vision for contemporary art.
In addition to the exhibition, the NCA program will also include a Winter School hosted at the FADA Gallery in July 2025. This initiative aims to teach school learners about contemporary art, helping to build a greater appreciation for art among younger audiences.
