Zeitz MOCCA
Zeitz MOCCA at the V&A Waterfront is the largest contemporary art gallery in Africa. The gallery has been placed in the historic grain elevator that was originally built by the government in the early 20th century. It is spread over nine floors and exhibits cutting-edge contemporary art from around the continent.
Research has revealed that the elevator was part of a “network of elevators all over the country. There was also a railway network on which was built to bring the grain to the silo.
In the 1920s the South African government developed the agricultural sector into an export industry. The scheme was for commercial farmers and to reduce the number of unemployed rural people ( mostly “poor whites) The state also involved itself in manufacturing, and a lot was invested in infrastructure, particularly in the railways, and state corporations.
The first load of maize was received into the grain elevator in Cape Town on September 8, 1924, and on November 12 of that year the first export from the new elevator, 6,245 tons of maize was loaded onto the SS Willaston which was destined for Europe, The last shipment left in 1995.
South African citizens get free entrance on Wednesdays. Plus, present your ID or South African passport at the door any day during your birthday month for free entrance. From the top floor, you can see awesome views of the city bowl and The Waterfront.
Vintage photos from a 1922 photo album sourced from https://atom.drisa.co.za/
