Seeds of Freedom
The 1955 Freedom Charter outlines ten key tenets that promote equality and freedom. In this project, part of my BA Illustration at London Metropolitan University, I was tasked with creating a compelling comic narrative that would educate and resonate with both a younger audience and with the wider community. My chosen focus was on the second Tenet “ All National Groups shall have equal rights” to guide the direction of my comic as well as to communicate the Charter’s vision of unity and equality.
Process:
Early in my research, I decided I wanted to create something visually compelling using strong visual motifs. I began by exploring botany because of my fascination, held since a child, with plants and flowers. In particular, I love their beauty and complexity. I have always spent lots of time at Kew Gardens drawing and taking photos and believe that for this project, my passion would reflect strongly in my work. I spent time learning more about the cultural context of plants and flowers in relation to the history of South Africa’s Apartheid period, and the genesis of the Freedom Charter in order to educate others on the powerful symbolism of nature in resistance movements, and how plants and flowers have been used as tools of remembrance, resilience, and hope throughout South Africa’s struggle for freedom and equality.
Testing materials and colour concept.
Poster testing and refinement.
The importance of the King Protea:
The focus is using the motif of the King Protea. The Protea has come to symbolise a more inclusive and diverse South Africa. Its layered history, however, reflects the complexity of national symbols – first adopted during the apartheid era, the Protea was once associated with exclusion and division.
The use of the Protea in the branding of all-white national sports teams (such as the cricket team) was part of the reason international boycotts and protests (especially in the UK) became such a powerful force against apartheid. Over time, it has been reclaimed as a symbol of unity and transformation, mirroring the country’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation. The protea has come to symbolise a more inclusive, and diverse South Africa.
The King Protea is adapted to survive in harsh wildfires. This symbol of rebirth also reminded me of a phoenix. Reflecting this beauty and hope which can come from something so harsh. This led to the King Protea representing the people of South Africa in my comic, in being both resilient and their transformation from overcoming the Apartheid rule.
Outcomes:
The first Outcome is the ‘Seeds Of Freedom’ Comic which is a double spread exploring important facts regarding the Freedom Charter and introducing the idea of Biopiracy. The tenet of the Freedom Charter, “All National Groups shall have equal rights”, that informs my work resonates strongly in the context of biopiracy, as it underscores the importance of respecting the knowledge and biological heritage of all communities. In South Africa, where diverse cultural groups have long used native plants for medicine, food, and ritual, representing these communities through flowers in the comic also highlights how unequal power dynamics persist when traditional knowledge is exploited without consent or recognition.
Gallery of Comic Stills
The second Outcome is an A3 Poster which I designed as a close up of a King Protea.
Thinking about further ways to make teaching about the Freedom Charter interactive for a younger audience, as per the brief, I created two extension activities. They included Arts and Crafts instructions on: How to make your very own King Protea: in either origami using an A4 piece of paper or out of an egg carton. The worksheets include Fun Facts which link to celebrating the 70 years since the Freedom Charter. Here are images showing what different King Proteas you could make when following the instructions.
I invite you to download the origami worksheet or egg box craft worksheets! I hope you enjoy making your crafts inspired by the Freedom Charter.
By Rhys Davies, July 2025
