The Investec Cape Town Art Fair continues to position itself as a premier platform connecting South African artists with the international art scene, as Cape Town-based collaborative duo Ben Stanwix and Xhanti Zwelendaba were announced as the winners of the inaugural Investec Emerging Artist Award. This award recognises and celebrates South Africa’s artistic talent, shining a light on promising artists who have not yet held their own solo museum or international art show.
Stanwix and Zwelendaba, represented by Reservoir Gallery, received the award for their outstanding work on Thaba Nchu, created in 2025 using assorted fabrics and cotton canvas. This piece continues the duo’s exploration of South Africa’s complex historical narratives, and revisits a real postage stamp depicting a missionary gathering in historical Thaba Nchu during the 1830s – a moment of transformation in the region’s history.
With over twenty submissions in the category, the selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation by a jury panel, including Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa; Itumeleng Merafe, Head of Investec Private Bank; and James Cook, a noted bronze sculptor and consultant on the Retail Structured Products team within Investec’s Corporate and Institutional Banking division – each of whom is a passionate art enthusiast and collector.
The judges assessed submissions based on criteria such as originality, artistic vision, and potential for future growth. The shortlist debate between judges itself was as colourful as the artworks being scrutinised, as they worked through the difficult task of selecting a final winner among such tight competition.
Said Stanwix, following the announcement of his and Zwelendaba’s recognition: “We each have independent practices and ways of working, and the pieces we make collaboratively emerge from the points at which our interests overlap.
In this work, there is the image, with its own story and history, but also the material object, which needs to have scale to be successful and yet has quite delicate colours and textures. I think contradiction is important to us. Even the fact of taking something as small as a stamp and remaking it at scale holds a certain immediate appeal.”
The winning artwork takes viewers on a journey, which as it unfolds grants a deeper understanding of its meaning. “The message behind this piece is not immediately obvious,” commented Cumesh.
“The more one interacts with the work, the more it draws you in. This was a show-stopper piece at the Fair, that one must experience in person to fully appreciate.”
He also highlighted the significance of the Emerging Artist Award to both the South African and international art landscape, saying, “Art has the power to leave a lasting impression on those who experience it, creating a legacy that lives far beyond the artist themselves, and value well beyond wealth.
Through this award, we aim to create opportunities for emerging artists to access new audiences, supporting them as they build their legacy both here at home and beyond our borders. We congratulate Ben and Xhanti on their win and look forward to watching their journey unfold.”
The Emerging Artist Award reinforces Investec’s commitment to cultural enrichment and investment in the arts. Now in its 12th edition, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair serves as a vital gateway to both African and international art markets, fostering cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
This initiative complements the Art Fair’s Tomorrows/Today prize, which last year recognised the work of Boemo Diale. Investec has partnered with Diale at this year’s Art Fair, seeing her work featured across the Investec Lounge and throughout its marketing campaign, as well as on its special edition tote bags and notebooks.
Boemo’s creations are also featured in Investec’s exclusive Reserved Store – an internal service that supports its high-touch approach to building meaningful relationships with clients and partners, through sourcing and supplying Out of the Ordinary gifting and branded merchandise – alongside other prominent South African talents, including fashion designer Tshepo Mohlala and Ardmore Ceramics.
Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships at Investec, remarked, “We remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community in South Africa. The Emerging Artist Award is aimed at nurturing local talent, finding opportunities to showcase their unique and remarkable work among our international communities.
South Africa is home to diverse artistic expressions that deserve world-wide recognition, and we are excited to help elevate and amplify the voices of emerging talents like Ben Stanwix and Xhanti Zwelendaba.”
For those interested in applying for the 2026 Emerging Artist Award, details about the application process will be available on the Investec Cape Town Art Fair website.
Also see: Appreciate global art at this year’s Investec Cape Town Art Fair
