South African animator, director and visual artist Lesego Vorster has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), one of the highest cultural honours of the French Republic. The distinction was presented by the Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, His Excellency Mr David Martinon, during a ceremony at the Residence de France in Pretoria.
Established in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, the Order of Arts and Letters recognises individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to the arts and literature, and to the influence of culture in France and internationally.
Presenting the award, Ambassador Martinon highlighted Vorster’s contribution to the development of animation in South Africa and his role in strengthening cultural exchange between France and the region. “Through your artistic vision, your commitment to mentorship, and your dedication to creating opportunities for young creators, you have helped shape a new generation of African storytellers and strengthened the cultural dialogue between our two countries,” Ambassador Martinon said.
Born and raised in Diepkloof, Soweto, Vorster developed an early passion for drawing that later evolved into a multidisciplinary artistic practice. He studied Fine Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand before completing a postgraduate diploma in animation.
His career later took an international turn when he became the first South African admitted to the International Master’s programme at Gobelins, l’École de l’image in Paris, one of the world’s leading animation schools. After first attending a summer programme there in 2014, he joined the newly created master’s programme in 2016.
Upon returning to South Africa, Vorster played a key role in establishing and developing the animation programme at the Tshimologong Digital Precinct in Johannesburg. Created in partnership with Gobelins and supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the programme has helped train and mentor a new generation of animation talent across the continent.Vorster co-founded.
The Hidden Hand Studios and founded and directs through Toe Dash for a brighter and more technical future of animated filmmaking. His distinctive artistic approach, known as the ‘Vovo_Stayela’ style, draws on African visual references and storytelling traditions while placing African characters and experiences at the centre of contemporary animated narratives.
His international recognition includes his contribution to Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a Disney+ animated anthology series showcasing emerging African animation talent. In 2023, Vorster received an Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Character Design, marking an important milestone for African animation on the global stage.
The Order of Arts and Letters has previously been awarded to a number of South African cultural figures, including Mary Sibande, Phyllis Klotz, Zanele Muholi and Gregory Maqoma, among many others.
Through this distinction, the French Republic recognises Lesego Vorster’s artistic achievements, his commitment to supporting emerging creators, and his contribution to strengthening cultural cooperation between France and Southern Africa.
Lali van Zuydam
Soweto Sunrise News
