Sikhula Sonke:
Living Archives of Afrofuturist Village Banking
Sikhula Sonke: Living Archives of Afrofuturist Village Banking is a mixed media artwork and storytelling project that documents informal savings groups as a way of understanding inclusive financial models in Southern Africa. In recognition of the wisdom that already exists within local communities and is little understood outside of them, the project focuses on documenting "living archives" of village banking that redefine the meaning of wealth.
The focus is on women that hold a wealth of knowledge on inclusive open financial systems. These women have created their own financial practices that support resilience and are responsive to their communities' needs. The project spotlights stories, or "living archives," of women who engage in village banking from six groups in three communities including Keiskammahoek (rural) and Khayelitsha (township) in South Africa; and Lusaka (urban) in Zambia.
Financial inclusion is a world where wealth is health. no one goes to sleep hungry. More than currency, it is security for ourselves , the planet, and future generations. Wealth is community . Otherwise the unbanked would not be considered wealthy. In the digital age and with technology, wealth can be so much more.
How do you define wealth?
Calabash
A drought-resistant vegetable that can be used for food, healing, storage, and traditional instrument uHadi.
Seeds
Natural seeds, a site of resistance against corporate control over indigenous food, to achieve food sovereignty.
Tapestry
Fabric is essential to groups, and sets up a location to reflect culture, tradition, and knowledge passed down for generations.
Plates
Village bank meetings usually start with singing, praying, and the sharing of food to solidify the community.
Village Banking Constitution
Informal savings groups are governed by a constitution that is unique to each group and agreed upon by members.
