Gugs speaks to Carol Bouwer – Television producer, former actress. She is the founder and CEO of Carol Bouwer productions. She is popularly known for hosting and later producing the a talk show Motswako, also she is the person behind The Mbokodo A

The Norval Foundation Board of Trustees is made up of the likes of Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Louis Norval, Norval Foundation CEO Elana Brundyn and now the iconic Carol Bouwer.

In this exclusive Q&A, Carol and Elana give us insight into Louis Norval’s vision and on how Norval Foundation plans to celebrate South Africa’s culture, diversity and encourage patriotism during this time of uncertainty.

Carol, with your background as a television presenter, producer and production company owner, you bring fresh insight to the board. How do you see this translating into your new role?

I believe what is critical for us to use my experience as a producer to bring curated experiences into the foundation. Ensuring that we curate learning, entertainment and cultural appreciation experiences that enhance the quality of life of our people. I also believe that it’s essential that I assist the Norval family in communicating the most critical part of their vision, to help South Africans see how spaces are created for their own introspective growth that interrogates their history through the arts as well as education.

You’ve joined the team at Norval Foundation in their mission to become a globally recognised art institution that encourages a wider museum-going audience in South Africa. In this time of strategy and planning, can you share your approach?

As with all our global partnerships, whether in the philanthropy space or beauty industry; we bring the right people along. I have always been cognisant of my calling to never enter any space alone. I will bring with me an engaged family of supporters who are highly accomplished but who are also in growth mode who learn as I learn, grow as I grow and stagnate if I dare to. The Mbokodo Awards have also helped me travel the world for significant art events that allow me to broaden the conversation about what we aim to achieve. Through the talk show Motswako we have worked over the years to remain in conversation with the nation and it’s a platform that will be helpful as we engage the nation on the breadth of culture. I am also conscious of the need to up my social media game to remain culturally informative while attracting new arts ambassadors. I remain proudly South African but globally engaged as I see the benefits for our people when we share our heritage with pride and via conscious communication.