Boingotlo Joan Legalamitlwa (Tsogo 1997)
Alumni Profile of Boingotlo Joan Legalamitlwa
When did you start and finish at Tsogo?
Started in1992 and matriculated in 1997
Where did you do your other schooling?
D P Kgotleng, in Unit 2, Mmabatho
What further education institutions did you attend?
I attended the University of Cape Town
What do you currently do?
I work as a curator in a cape town based art gallery – Michael Stevenson. The gallery has a team of 5 curators who manage the gallery artists as well as their exhibitions at the gallery and elsewhere. Gallery artists include South African greats such as Pieter Hugo, Nicholas Hlobo, Zanele Muholi, Penny Siopis, Berni Searle and Nandipha Mntambo among others. The gallery functions as the artists support base – from the conception of artworks, through the production and beyond the exhibition phase. Most importantly, we help sell their products to reputable collectors and institutions as well as insure that their art is marketed in art circles around the world.
I would like to be South Africa’s minister of arts and culture in a few years time and working in such a space is perfect for my vision. I have always been a lover of the arts, and my mission is to serve such talent in any way possible.
What is your inspiration?
Everything about art, be it fine arts, theatre, poetry, music or film. I try to surround myself with as many artists from all genres as much as possible. Life is never dull with such people in one’s life – and there is always something new to learn. One must always strive to acquire knowledge, whether through experience, reading, googling information – the more open minded one is, the more knowledgeable they become. You can never know too much! I can tell you that for free!
Message to Alumni
Strive for the simple things in life and invest in the arts – buy South African art – it will do your children’s future a lot of good 
Message to current Students
Do not be afraid to take risks while you are young! Learn not judge others but rather draw what you can from those that are different to you. Respect your peers and always keep an open mind.
What is/are your fondest memory/memories of Tsogo High School?
- Si-speech i loved public speaking, especially in Afrikaans !
- Wonderful teachers – some more hilarious than others but all very wonderful nevertheless!
- Time spent with classmates – too many funny moments!
Significant Achievements to highlight
- Received a Mellon foundation scholarship for a semester study abroad Programme at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA – 2001
- Became the youngest and only female film festival director in South Africa as director of the Encounters Documentary Festival at age 26 in 2006.
- Served on various film festival juries and selection committees locally and abroad
- Managed/curated 5 film festivals in South Africa between 2004 – 2009
Connect with me
- Facebook:
- Website: www.michaelstevenson.com
More Alumni Profiles
- Alumni Profile: Portia Victoria Mogosetsi (Tsogo 2003)
- Alumni Profile: Gabisile Simelane (Tsogo 1996)
- Alumni Profile: Kgomotso Sekhute (Tsogo 1986)
- Alumni Profile: Keamogetsoe Maroo (Tsogo 2002)
- Alumni Profile: Tshepo Kgobe (Tsogo 1991)
- Alumni Profile: Omphile Modibela (Tsogo 1999)
- Alumni Profile: Thurston Sebotsane (Tsogo 1991)
- Alumni Profile: Boingotlo Joan Legalamitlwa (Tsogo 1997)
If you have an alumnus you would like to nominate please email us at tsogoalum@gmail.com or go to the Nomination Page.
