The Culture Curator (s02e14: Noxolo BHENGU, Ndawo Afrika)

There is a lot being said around the world these days about racism and discrimination. Quite rightly. But pointing fingers and throwing accusations often achieves nothing. The thing that changes attitudes, at a human level, is both fundamentally simple, and embarrassingly difficult. It's casual association. Being casually associated with people from different backgrounds is what leads to a genuine understanding of our commonalities, and a positive exploration of our differences.

My conversation with the South African actress, writer, theatre producer, and community organiser Noxolo Bhengu beautifully illustrates the awkward dance that takes place when opportunities for casual association are more scarce. The context of our conversation is Noxolo's work in promoting visibility of the Afro-diaspora in China. But the dialogue that follows is one that should resonate with you, no matter who or where you are. Purposeful visibility leads to casual association leads to meaningful relationships.