Kimberley’s WHAG shines bright with a national award win
Second Annual National Arts and Culture Awards
The WHAG won the Outstanding Museum Award at this year’s 2nd annual National Arts and Culture Awards. Seen here is staff of the WHAG posing with the trophy.
Image: Supplied / WHAG / Helena Barnard
Kimberley’s own William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) has officially taken centre stage on the national arts scene, walking away with the Outstanding Museum Award in the Heritage category at the 2nd Annual National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA).
The ceremony took place on August 22 2025 at Sun City in the North West, with the winners revealed live on SABC 1 the following evening. It’s the first time WHAG has scooped this prestigious honour — and it did so while up against some serious competition, including the KwaZulu-Natal Museum and the War Museum of the Boer Republics.
Nominations for NACA 2025 opened nationwide between May 5 and June 30, with individuals and groups encouraged to celebrate those making an impact in the cultural and creative industries. WHAG’s nod came thanks to multiple public submissions applauding the gallery’s recent exhibitions, outreach projects, and education initiatives — work that clearly resonated with the judges.
Ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility
The award recognises WHAG’s ongoing commitment to curatorial excellence, innovation, and accessibility, as well as its role in preserving and interpreting South Africa’s rich art history, while also creating space for dialogue and community connection.
Representing WHAG on the night were Assistant Curator Malikah Meyer and Creative Writing Intern Lelethu Sobekwa. Accepting the award, Meyer said, “The William Humphreys Art Gallery will continue to strive to be a museum of excellence, both nationally and internationally.”
Chief Curator Chepape Makgato shared his excitement, adding, “This award affirms our role as a dynamic national museum. We are deeply grateful to our Council members, management, and media partners who continually amplify our work beyond the walls of our museum.
"Their support ensures that the voices and visions we showcase in Kimberley resonate across the country and the world. We remain committed to building new collaborations and are open to more partnerships that will take the work we do as a national museum even further.”
As a proud entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, WHAG continues to cement its place as one of South Africa’s leading cultural institutions. More than just an art gallery, it’s a creative hub for Kimberley and beyond, inspiring reflection, conversation and connection through its exhibitions and programmes.