Each banner features two photographs of iconic Togolese buildings, ancient and modern, and is weighted down by traditional pottery.

Bringing the pavilion to life with teamwork

The exhibit was commissioned by Sonia Lawson, founding director of Togo’s first arts and culture centre, the Palais de Lomé.  It is as striking as she imagined, but to make her vision a reality demanded expert logistical support.

To safely fly the exhibition pieces from Lomé to Venice, including the 35 handmade clay pots, the AGS Togo team custom-built three wooden crates lined with foam. They then inserted robust lattices of liners and paper, specially made to hold each pot snugly in place.

With guidance from AGS’s dedicated fine-art division, they also completed the exhaustive documentation required to comply with Togolese and Italian regulations. This included preparing a detailed packing list, a pro forma invoice, and a global inventory containing each item’s construction material, weight, age, and provenance.

At the same time, the fine-art division leveraged its international network to select a specialised agent capable of transporting the fragile shipment from Milan airport to the exhibition hall in Venice.

Navigating the last mile

This last leg was highly symbolic, traversing the historic canals of Venice to deliver the exhibit in two of the city’s iconic black gondolas. Although picturesque, this method of delivery presents considerable logistical challenges.

Gondolas have a limited load capacity and require delicate handling – an issue the AGS team overcame with foresight, splitting the exhibit over multiple smaller crates before its journey to Italy.

After a seamless delivery, the Togolese pavilion opened on 10 May and will continue to wow visitors until the Venice Biennale ends on 23 November.

For Sonia, the success of the operation illustrates the Togo team’s skill. “AGS stands out for its specialised expertise in the international transport of works of art, particularly on the African continent,” she said.

Would you like to entrust the transport of your works of art to specialists? Contact AGS for a personalised quote and enjoy tailor-made support for your exceptional moving projects.

South Africans are known for being among the friendliest people in the world. In fact, a 2024 survey found that South Africans are among the most agreeable people in the world, exhibiting deep empathy, understanding, and hospitality toward both strangers and loved ones. Below are some of the prominent South African cultures you can expect to encounter while in the Rainbow Nation.

 

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What is Indigenous South African Culture?

Indigenous South African culture is rooted in tribal heritage originating from Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho tribes. These cultures are present throughout South Africa, displaying a strong focus on family, community, and reverence for both elders and ancestors.

Roots of Indigenous Culture

The earliest inhabitants of South Africa were the Khoisan people, who can trace their lineage back 100,000 years, making them the direct descendants of the earliest humans. This has equipped the Khoisan with a unique genome, distinguishing them from every other group on the planet.

The Khoisan originally consisted of two groups: the Khoekhoe, who specialised in herding livestock, and the San, who specialised in gathering plants and hunting animals. Khoisan people also pioneered tool-making techniques like heat-treating stone and creating spear tips.

Around 400 AD, the Khoisan would be joined by the Bantu people of Eastern and Central Africa, who introduced metallurgy, farming, and adobe construction. These two groups would eventually give rise to the Zulu, Xhosa, and Sotho people as we know them today.

Elements of Indigenous Culture

Every indigenous culture in South Africa has its own unique language, traditions, foods, dances, and beliefs. South Africa has 11 officially recognised languages, nine of which are indigenous languages, and six dialects of Khoisan are considered the original indigenous languages of the region.

• Languages: Indigenous languages include isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, siSwati, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. Officially recognised dialects of Khoisan include Khoekhoegowab, !Orakobab, Xirikobab, N|uuki, ǃXunthali, and Khwedam.
• Foods: Popular foods among indigenous cultures include samp and beans, amasi (a sour milk drink), and Morogo (a dark green leaf often called “African Spinach”). Meats (nyama) and traditionally fermented alcohol (umqombothi) are commonly enjoyed in traditional settings, especially weddings, funerals, and tribal meetings.
• Religious Beliefs: Indigenous cultures often practise a blend of Christianity and ancestral worship. This unique combination has created a socio-cultural distinction between those who align with indigenous traditions and other groups in South Africa.

What is Afrikaner Culture?

Afrikaner culture refers to the ethnic and cultural descendants of predominantly Dutch settlers who made the Cape Colony their home. However, many individuals with both German and French heritage also identify as Afrikaners, meaning the majority can trace their lineage back to European origins.

Roots of Afrikaner Culture

Afrikaner culture traces its roots back to Dutch colonialism in the 17th century. Many Afrikaner settlers were traders who set up businesses in the Cape Colony before eventually making it their permanent home. This was a common occurrence, resulting in many new settlers who would later become known as Afrikaners.

Afrikaners developed their own unique language called Afrikaans. While it originally evolved from Dutch, Afrikaans incorporates elements of other European languages like French and German, as well as indigenous languages such as Bantu and Xhosa.

Afrikaners often speak Afrikaans as their first language, English as their second, and sometimes indigenous languages. It is very common for not only Afrikaners, but virtually all South Africans to be multilingual to some degree.

Elements of Afrikaner Culture

Afrikaner culture is typically centred around family, whether it be family outings or having a braai (barbecue) on weekends. Farming, homesteading, and rearing livestock remain an important part of their cultural identity. In recent years, Afrikaans music has also gained nationwide popularity.

• Foods: Afrikaner food culture has a few prominent dishes, including braai (flame-grilled meats), potjiekos (stew cooked in a three-legged cast iron pot over a fire), and a bredie (a lamb stew cooked with vegetables). Snacks like biltong and droëwors are also very popular.
• Religious Beliefs: Afrikaner culture is strongly rooted in Christianity and traditional Christian values.
• Sports: Afrikaner culture is typically associated with sports like rugby and football, with both watching and participating seen as opportunities to connect with friends and family.

What is Cape Malay Culture?

The term “Cape Malay” refers to both an ethnic group and a cultural identity. It’s generally used as a broad term to describe mixed-race individuals residing in the Cape Flats. However, not all individuals of mixed descent subscribe to this culture.

Roots of Cape Malay Culture

Cape Malay culture traces its roots back to enslaved Southeast Asian peoples, particularly from Indonesia, Malaysia, and The Philippines, as well as the Khoisan and European settlers. Many attribute this diverse heritage to the arrival of the Dutch East India Company led by Jan van Riebeeck in Cape Town in 1652.

Cape Malay culture consists primarily of English and Afrikaans, with the latter having a unique dialect within the culture, often mixing the two in what’s known as “Afrikaaps”. This dialect is unique to the Cape Flats and spoken nowhere else in South Africa.

Cape Malay culture is unique because, unlike other South African cultural groups, it incorporates individuals of different ethnicities, races, religions, languages, and traditions. These differences are what solidify the culture, enabling people to draw strength from diversity.

Elements of Cape Malay Culture

Cape Malay people celebrate their identity through foods, traditional celebrations, languages, dialects, dances, music, and so much more.

• Religion: Cape Malay culture is religiously diverse but primarily consists of people who practice Islam and Christianity. There are also individuals who practise Buddhism or identify as agnostic or atheist.
• Food: Cape Malay food is incredibly diverse reflecting its mixed heritage. Popular Cape Malay foods are samosas (triangular-shaped pastry pockets, deep-fried, filled with a savoury spicy meat mixture), Koeksisters (sugary dough balls), breyani (a spicy meat/chicken dish with rice), and the Gatsby (a foot-long sandwich with steak, chicken eggs, lettuce, tomato, spices, and sauces).
• Dance: An extremely important cultural event in Cape Malay heritage is the “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” (Second New Year) parade on January 2nd. Here, the Cape Minstrel Carnival, known as the “Kaapse Klopse”, participate in a vibrant festival featuring thousands of minstrels in colourful costumes, dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments such as the “ghoema” drum, trumpets, and tambourines.

Moving to South Africa? Choose AGS Movers!

Experience South African culture firsthand with AGS Movers! We offer professional moving and relocation services from anywhere across the globe.

Whether you’re moving to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or Pretoria, our team of professionals will ensure a stress-free, seamless moving experience for you and your loved ones.

South Africa’s cultural richness is waiting for you. Let AGS Movers help you settle in with ease, so you can focus on embracing your new life. Get in touch with us today and take the first step towards your move.

 
From Cape Town’s stunning coastlines 🏖️ to Johannesburg’s buzzing energy 🌆, and Durban’s warm beaches 🌊 to Port Elizabeth’s charm 🪁 — our teams across South Africa are here to help every step of the way.

💼 Ready to pack your bags? Start with our Moving to South Africa Starter Pack & let us handle the rest.

✨ Move with care. Move with expertise. Move with AGS.

 
South Africa is calling! Watch our Moving Starter Pack ✨ and begin your stress-free relocation today — your new chapter awaits!

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APTERS has been committed to improving access to mobility equipment for Zambian children with disabilities for over 30 years. The nongovernmental organisation (NGO) began as collaboration between three skilled Zambians with physical disabilities and a British physiotherapist. Together, they aimed to create affordable mobility aids such as special chairs and standing frames, as well as splints, wedges, and walkers.

How to make mobility aids from recycled materials

“It can be difficult to find this type of equipment in Zambia,” explained AGS Zambia Deputy Branch Manager, Helene Guidez, “so they build it themselves.” The specialised equipment is made from as many reusable materials as possible, including paper, cardboard, and maize, which acts as a glue.

Three cardboard pieces are glued together for reinforcement, creating a sturdy material that is cut into the frames designed by physiotherapists. To ensure they are water resistant, they are then covered with oil-based paint, and cushions are sewn for added comfort.

This method not only reduces cardboard and paper waste, but also makes the devices cheaper to create. Their cost is then subsidised further through donations and the sale of hand-made toys. This makes the aids more accessible to those who could not otherwise afford them.

“APTERS shares a premises with University Teaching Hospital and works hand-in-hand with hospital staff,” explained AGS Zambia Imports Manager, Bridget Zulu. “When children go to the hospital for physiotherapy, and the doctors see there is a need for special equipment, they contact APTERS.”

The organisation produces between 1200-1500 aids each year. It also provides employment for those with disabilities. Having a disability can lead to disadvantages when looking for work, and many differently abled Zambians work in the APTERS production department.

AGS Zambia re-uses cardboard responsibly

As a removals company, AGS Zambia is a perfect partner for APTERS, so far delivering more than 10m³ of used moving boxes to create equipment. The AGS team is already committed to recycling and reducing waste, always re-using cardboard boxes in their local moves where possible. When they are no longer usable, APTERS can now repurpose the material for an important cause.

At AGS Movers, we believe in making a positive impact beyond just relocation. Support sustainable solutions for a brighter future – request your moving quote today.

The operation formed part of the logistics partnership between Rhenus and Wings For Aid, an international NGO that delivers essential supplies to communities cut off by natural disasters or who live in hard-to-reach areas.

The AGS Kenya team was responsible for clearing the drone through customs. “This included obtaining a permit from the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority to allow the MiniFreighter to enter the country,” explains Director of AGS Kenya Thibault Malezieux. “Once the drone arrived, we unloaded it onto a special trailer for delivery to its final destination.”

Capable of carrying 160kg within a range of 250km, the MiniFreighter 8/500FW allows associations like the International Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Kenya Red Cross to distribute medicines, water and food to Kenyans unreachable by road.

In each of the 100 countries in which we are present, AGS Worldwide Movers adapts to all requests, innovates and finds at times exceptional solutions to satisfy our clients.

At AGS Movers, we are committed to supporting humanitarian efforts through innovative logistics solutions. If your organisation needs assistance with complex logistics operations or importing specialised equipment, contact us today. Let’s work together to make a difference!

Spearheaded by AGS Kenya and Bamburi Cement, the initiative had the partners meet at Haller Park on the outskirts of the bustling metro of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. An old limestone quarry from the 1950s, the park is a product of Bamburi Cement’s efforts, since 1971, to convert their disused pits into vibrant and diverse ecosystems of forest, grasslands and ponds.

The day began with informative presentations on the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable practices, and corporate citizenship. The group then moved outside for the main event. But with Seedballs Kenya as their partner, they weren’t about to start digging holes in the ground.

The AGS and eManage Africa teams had a go at ‘seed bombing’, launching seedballs into hard-to-reach areas of the park with nothing less than handheld catapaults.

The science of seedballs

At the heart of each seedball is a seed coated with ‘biochar’ – charcoal dust mixed with nutritious binders. This coating protects the seed from birds, rodents, and insects, as well as from extreme temperatures, so it is safe and ready for when rains arrive. Once they do, the ball is soaked and can retain the moisture for a prolonged period, encouraging germination.

Seedballs Kenya provided 50,000 balls for the event. These included an array of indigenous species such as Sesbania sesban, Acacia nilotica, Acacia polyacantha, and a mix of grasses.

This novel method of tree planting, developed by Seedballs Kenya, enables the large-scale reintroduction of trees and grass species in degraded areas. It is also cost effective, as biochar is made predominantly from charcoal waste, a resource that is abundant in a country where charcoal and firewood have been the primary energy sources for centuries. This results in a circular economy which not only helps restore deforested areas but also re-uses leftover waste from wood-intensive industries.

Rehabilitating forests worldwide

Thibault Malezieux, Managing Director of AGS Kenya and eManage Africa, emphasised his teams’ dedication to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations: “As part of the Mobilitas Group, we have long supported reforestation efforts through the international NGO Planète Urgence, but since we are part of the Kenyan community, it is only natural for us to want to extend these efforts to our own backyard. What better way to do so than with an approach pioneered in Kenya.”

Entitled Un’Infinita Attesa dell’Alba (An Infinite Expectation of the of Dawn), the exhibition by Italian artist Flamina Mantegazza aimed to raise awareness for the preservation and respect of the environment through works that “testify to a vigilant awareness of the passing of life and time”.

Seamless art transport across borders

The Kenyan capital was the exhibition’s third stop, following a tour of Senegal and Ethiopia. AGS Kenya managed its export and transport from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, clearing the four crates of works through customs at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and storing them temporarily at the AGS Movers warehouse.

Ahead of opening night, the Nairobi National Museum shut its doors while the AGS experts carefully removed the layers of protective packaging from each piece before installing it in the exhibition space.

“For the past three years, we’ve done two to three art transfers a month,” explains Thibault Malézieux, Director of AGS Kenya. With its flexibility and experience, AGS has the expertise to handle the technically demanding logistics of art transport. A skill set that is especially important when the artist’s medium is the fragile and brittle paper mâché.

Do you have a fine art collection that needs to travel? Contact us today for a free quote!

Following the initiative of the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, French companies are taking action through the Chamber of Commerce; to support a borehole improvement operation led by the French NGO ACTED. This comprehensive solution aims at improving the living conditions of inhabitants in several villages by providing water, sanitation and hygiene services.

A contribution from AGS

Thanks to its longstanding and strong presence in Africa, AGS is fully committed to this operation and contributed financially to rehabilitate a borehole in the village of Goda Korma.

In total, this facility supplies water to some 200 households, or approximately 1,200 people. The borehole is diesel-powered, so maintenance costs are high.

ACTED proposes converting the pumping station to run on solar energy. And for good reason: northern Kenya receives eight hours of sunshine daily, a real opportunity to reduce operating and maintenance costs and adopt a long-term solution for the surrounding communities. This will also make the borehole more environmentally friendly.

However, ACTED will ensure that the system remains hybrid, so that it can switch between solar and an alternative energy source, such as a diesel generator or the electricity grid, in the event of unfavourable weather. The association will also monitor consumption using water meters.

Improved hygiene in Kenya

The project will improve the safety of the drilling equipment. The rehabilitation of this borehole also has a direct impact on community hygiene by reducing the risk of water-borne diseases and improving the quality of drinking water. Thanks to this installation, ACTED aims to guarantee access to drinking water within a distance of 0.5 to 1 km (compared to 5.5 to 15 km today).

The project is the result of a joint study carried out in December 2022 by ACTED, the water services and the target communities in the counties of Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit.

A technical assessment identified strategic boreholes which had dried up due to drought or damage. In all, five water resources were identified and selected for repair. 1,350 people are expected to directly benefit from improved access to drinking water and hygiene practices.

As a member of the UN Global Compact, AGS supports local communities around the world. To find out more about the work we do, find out more about the work we do, see our latest Communication on Progress.

A large-scale project

Celebrating the art of the communities settled on the Bamenda Plateau, the exhibition also featured vast sculptures, metalwork, beadwork, textile creations and traditional dances. Displays showcased the traditions, skills and culture of Cameroon while demonstrating the importance of preserving and sharing heritage as well as its relevance and usefulness today.

Organised in collaboration with the La Route des Chefferies, the sub-Saharan association that works to safeguard and enhance Cameroon’s cultural, natural and creative heritage, nearly 300 works in all were staged along a route designed to offer a view into the heart of Bamileke society.

The artefacts, passed down through generations of traditional rulers, were punctuated by modern Cameroonian artworks to highlight the chiefdoms’ cultural influence on contemporary art and emphasise that their legacy lives on in today’s society.

A journey of obstacles

The story begins in Bafoussam, a city 15 hours’ drive from Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital. Although the items had previously been collected from each chiefdom and consolidated by La Route des Chefferies, they still had to be inventoried. Together with an expert from the museum, the AGS crew made meticulous notes on each piece’s condition and dimensions to prepare it for packing and transport.

It would take three weeks on site to build the custom wooden crates required to transport the collection. But the real challenge would prove to be the transport itself. To get the pieces to Douala would take no fewer than six journeys by truck along crumbling roads and under police escort, owing to the tensions in the country.

“Passing through the police checkpoints was extremely complicated,” explains David Lafontaine, Director of AGS Cameroon. “Although we had prepared all the necessary certificates and authorisations, we still had to open the crates in the presence of a lawyer, to prove that the goods inside matched the declaration.”

After drawn out discussions and hours of waiting, the AGS crew was finally able to get underway. It then took six flights between Douala and Lièges, Belgium, to transport the works to Europe. The return journey was easier as they could be placed on a single flight. Although it would take another six trips to get them back to Bafoussam.

A job for specialists

AGS has been operating in Cameroon since 1995 and has expanded to two offices and 45 employees. Both branches offer physical and digital records management, FF&E installation for the hotel industry, relocation and moving solutions, as well as the specialised services required to move prized works of art and museum artefacts.

Transporting these precious objects requires a particular set of skills: not only must the packaging be adapted to minimise the effects of moisture and humidity, but the crews must be trained to appreciate the objects in their care and know how to handle them correctly using the proper grips and moves.

Moves involving culturally valuable items also require painstaking preparation. Obtaining the necessary authorisations and documentation, such as CITES certificates, is crucial to prevent delays or additional handling. Clear and timely communication between the various stakeholders is key to avoiding misunderstandings, delays or unforeseen stops in the logistical chain.

Importantly, the preparation phase must take into account the protocols and procedures of the local authorities. In Cameroon, for example, it took three months from the first visit to Bafoussam to deliver the objects to the Quai Branly museum. This was mainly due to the one and a half months needed to obtain the export authorisation from the Ministry of Arts and Culture. Fortunately, the collection could be stored securely in the AGS warehouse during this time.

“The team is proud of the success of this complex project,” adds David. “An assignment of this scale doesn’t come along every day, and it allowed them to demonstrate not only their professionalism but also their ingenuity and responsiveness to ensure that the pieces arrived safely and in time for the exhibition.”

Throughout our global network, AGS crews are trained and experienced in transporting precious antiques and works of art.

If you have a valuable collection that needs to travel, contact us today for your free quote.

Complicating this undertaking was the country’s mountainous terrain in the west, which requires special expertise in transport and logistics to navigate. Spurred on by the challenge, the AGS Kenya team started planning the operation.

Preparation is the key to success

“The fragile equipment used in cinemas and amphitheatres had to be transported with care. We also alerted our insurance company to ensure that the value of the operation was covered,” says Célia Richard, AGS Kenya’s Sales and Business Development Manager.

Upon arrival at the Port of Nairobi, AGS repacked the equipment, depalletised and grouped it according to its destination. In total, the AGS team would make six deliveries: two in Mombasa, and one each in Lamu, Kisumu, Nairobi and Nakuru.

Put to the test on a paradise island

The delivery to Lamu posed unique challenges. Located off the Kenyan coast, the island is over 500km away from Nairobi and is strictly car free. “The half-hour ferry trip was challenging, but guiding a hand-drawn cart loaded with fragile cargo through the sand was the true test of our skills. Fortunately, the delivery address was not far from the jetty,” says Célia.

Since the 1960s, in the wake of eccentric jet-setters like Mick Jagger, Lamu has become a popular tourist destination. Today, 80% of the island’s economy is based on tourism. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite this, time has left the island largely unchanged. Here, luxury lies in simple pleasures: fresh fish cooked on the grill, mangoes and papayas eaten barefoot on the beach and spectacular sunsets.

“The complex logistics involved make deliveries to Lamu extremely rare,” adds Thibault Malezieux, Director of AGS Kenya. “The team’s coordination was incredible, and we were thrilled to see the outcome!”

Country-wide, the operation only took a few days, and by the 21st of June, everything was delivered. As planned, the Lamu Cultural Centre was inaugurated in July by the ambassador of France to Kenya.

Do you need assistance or advice on your move to Kenya? Contact us!