?A new sculpture titled Dinkbeeld: Smeltkroes (in English Crucible) was recently unveiled in front of the Endler Hall on Victoria Street at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU). Cast in patinated bronze, the work was created by renowned South African artists and SU alumni Anton Kannemeyer and Claudette Schreuders, and donated by SU alumna Dominique Enthoven and her husband, Adrian.
Kannemeyer explains that the piece began with the idea of a public bench. "Our starting point was the kind of bench you’d find in a park, at a bus stop, train station, near a memorial, or simply as a place to rest,” he says. “In South Africa, such benches carry historical significance—they’re symbols of racial hatred and exclusion. Historically, therefore, an explosive symbol that we wanted to portray without the figure, white or black.”
He continues: “A second source of inspiration was St Francis of Assisi, promoter of peace, simplicity and harmony. He is also known as the patron saint of the poor, animals and ecology. He is often depicted surrounded by birds. So, the idea took shape: a bench on which a diverse group of indigenous birds are peacefully gathered. It became a metaphor for knowledge, and for the preservation of that knowledge, a central purpose of any university.”
Dinkbeeld: Smeltkroes forms part of a broader artistic vision that includes the Think Bench, a 13-metre sculptural public artwork that is now a permanent fixture on the lawn in front of the Faculty of Engineering complex on Banghoek Road. It was donated by GT Ferreira, Rand Merchant Bank founder and SU alumnus. The vision also includes cinga (meaning “to think” in isiXhosa), which is currently in the conceptual phase.
The initiative is led by Pieter Swart, Director of Special Projects at SU’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and is driven by a deep belief in the power of the arts and the unique potential of the SU campus as a space to showcase art, particularly sculptures.
“Art is my passion and part of my focus within DAR,” Swart says. “The campus, as an extension of the town, offers an ideal platform to connect with broader initiatives like the Stellenbosch Art Mile and the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust.”
Swart says the idea for Dinkbeeld: Smeltkroes began under the tenure of former Rector Professor Wim de Villiers, who challenged him to expand the original Think Bench concept. “The vision was to create a series of sculptures interpreting the word ‘Think’ in Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and English, aligned with the SU's commitment to inclusivity,” he explains.
Swart says the sculpture is rich in symbolism. “The name refers to the process of melting and merging metals to create something strong and beautiful. The birds, each distinct, sit together in harmony, representing unity in diversity.”
According to Swart, several locations on campus were considered, including the Botanical Garden, but ultimately, the Endler was chosen. “It’s a space embedded in the arts and already home to works by Professor Larry Scully, a prominent painter and former head of Fine Arts, and Rudolf Gouws, sculptor. The location is highly visible and invites reflection.
For Kannemeyer, the title Smeltkroes speaks not only to the physical creation of the sculpture but also its deeper message. “A crucible is a vessel where metals are fused, as was used to cast this bronze. But metaphorically, a crucible represents difficult conditions that lead to transformation. Our hope is that Smeltkroes becomes a symbol of harmony for all, regardless of race, colour, or gender.”?
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