The unveiling of the Harry Belafonte Kind Heart Bench at the Philisa Abafazi Bethu (Heal Our Women) Centre in Retreat, Cape Town, South Africa, took place on Saturday, 15th March 2025
This special event honoured the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte, a man whose contributions extended far beyond music and film. Belafonte was not only a celebrated singer, songwriter and musician – he was a devoted human rights activist who fought for the freedom of South Africans during the Apartheid Regime. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality played a significant role in dismantling Apartheid, and his impact is deeply felt in South Africa today.
The Kind Heart Bench serves as a token of appreciation for Mr. Belafonte’s invaluable support for South Africa’s liberation. It stands as a powerful symbol of Love, Peace and Unity, representing everything he stood for and tirelessly fought for in his mission to end racial injustice. To ensure that his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of South Africans, Uthando (Love) South Africa and Heart of Cape Town, alongside its many community partners and supporters, proudly unveiled this tribute in his honour.
We were especially honoured to welcome Harry Belafonte’s daughter, Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, and his granddaughter, Rachel Blue, who joined in to commemorate the lasting influence of their father and grandfather. Their presence added a deeply personal touch to the event, reminding us of the global impact of Belafonte’s humanitarian efforts.
A diverse lineup of speakers included Lucinda Evans of Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women’s Centre, the venue for the event, Dr. Shirley Zinn, Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer and her daughter Rachel Blue, Bradley Bailey from the Kind Heart Bench Project, Artist Silas Motse, Andiswe Ndebele of the Isibane se Afrika and James Fernie of UthandoSA and the Heart of Cape Town initiative, who all shared insights on Belafonte’s impact and the values he championed as well as the importance of the values of the Heart in all spheres
This joyful occasion was made possible through the collaboration of Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA, Uthando SA, Heart of Cape Town and other dedicated community partners and sponsors.
At the Heart of Cape Town, we resonate deeply with Harry Belafonte’s unwavering commitment to change. His dedication to humanitarian causes and belief in the power of art to drive transformation align with our mission to foster Love, Peace and Unity within communities. This tribute reaffirmed the importance of continuing Belafonte’s work and ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In honouring his legacy, we invite you to become part of this movement. Whether through art, activism or community engagement, each of us has the power to uplift and inspire change.
Watch the full tribute event here and join us in celebrating a life well-lived – a life that continues to inspire. May Harry Belafonte’s legacy of Love, Peace and Unity live on within all of us!