Last week, Professor Djamila Ribeiro completed another chapter of her 2025 international tour. From June 12 to 19, she was in South Africa for an agenda that combined contemporary art, literature, and cultural diplomacy. The trip marked her return to the country six years after her first visit, in 2019, when she was invited by the local Ministry of Tourism to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela. “Those were unforgettable days, full of exchanges and affection,” she recalled on her Instagram profile.

Now, in 2025, she returned for two central reasons. The first was the launch of Where We Stand, the English edition of her bestselling book Lugar de Fala, published by Yale University Press. The event took place on June 18 at Wits University in Johannesburg — a century-old institution with a central role in the fight against apartheid. “I learned that I was probably the first Brazilian in history to officially launch a book in South Africa.”

With the support of the Brazilian Embassy and the university’s Department of Anthropology, the launch included the presence of the Mexican ambassador and representatives from the diplomatic missions of Angola, Jamaica, Colombia, and Uruguay. Djamila shared the table with photographer Letícia França and artists from Bahia supported by public cultural policies from the state government.

In South Africa, the book will be distributed by Jonathan Ball Publishers, the country’s largest publishing house, which also organized the press schedule. Djamila was interviewed by journalist Jennifer Platt of the Sunday Times, and featured on the literary podcast Cheeky Natives, hosted by Dr. Alma and Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane. “I am deeply grateful to Shakti India and the Jonathan Ball team for the respectful and warm way they received the book.”

The second reason for the trip was to join, as a board member and patron of the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, a delegation of patrons who visited cultural institutions in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Among the places visited were the Goodman Gallery, Momo Gallery, Stevenson Gallery, and the Zeitz Museum. “We visited spectacular museums (…) and I left deeply inspired by the encounter with Pulane Kingston, a Black woman who is one of the most powerful art collectors in the world.”

On social media, Djamila highlighted the camaraderie within the group and the atmosphere of listening throughout the journey. “We were blessed to achieve harmony and unity among the group, and we shared joyful moments of togetherness. A relaxed group, focused on learning and listening to artists, curators, and collectors about what is at the forefront of art in the country.”

Professor Djamila Ribeiro made a point of thanking Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho and the team at the Brazilian Embassy in South Africa. “It was a time full of axé,” she celebrated.

On the 19th, already in transit, Djamila participated in an online class for the Abu Dhabi campus of New York University, invited by Professor Cristina Buarque de Holanda. “The translated editions tour resumes its course and is nearing its end. It’s been so great to have your company along this journey. Onward!”