One of the most unique weddings we documented on the 22nd Dec. 2013

Related articles

2013 Dec. 22: Promise(d) Gift

Previous Weddings

2013 Nov. 9: Ayanda & Nhlanhla’s wedding

and

 
2013 June 15: The Durban Lesbian Wedding of the Year
 

by Yaya Mavundla

Valentine’s Day is the one day that most couples get to splurge on their loved ones and make them the centre of their universe.  There is no denying the fact that most people take offence if their partners do not get them a gift.

I find that Roses and Chocolates are the most popular items to get for women and perfume for men.

We are few days away from cupids day and ideas are already swirling in your head  are you going to  cook for your partner, rub his/her back in a hot bubble bath while feeding each other strawberries and chocolate or are you just going to hang out and gaze into each other’s eyes?  I have a few suggestions that may help with your decision to make this the best Valentine’s Day ever!

My suggestions may surprise you, but they work all the time!

BE TOGETHER, ALONE

Book a self-catering accommodation; it doesn’t have to be somewhere far, just somewhere away from home. Thankfully this year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday so you can afford to sleep in and worry about waking up in a rush in the morning.  Spend time with your partner and get to know them better.  Recap on all the good things you have done together. If you have children, make sure someone is watching them and have enough of everything they might need to avoid unnecessary phone calls and being disturbed.

COOK A NICE MEAL

You don’t have to be a great cook or cook up a storm, stick to what you know and what you know they will enjoy.  Remember parenting your partner with food is a tangible sign that you care. Hence people get annoyed when you don’t eat when they cooked. A bottle of wine or champagne and roses around the table will be cherry on top.

GET HER/HIM A LIRA BOOK:
“MAKING HERSTORY”

This will be a very nice book for anyone as it recaps on life challenges and teaches one to be responsible and more. If you are not a fan of biographies, any other book will do. Just put some thought into it and this will be something your partner will remember and it will bring good memories, each time they read it.  Also remember to personalise the book by writing a sweet something and signing it.

GO SHOPPING TOGETHER

Don’t come with a gift already wrapped up and so on… It’s expected. Take your partner with to the mall and buy him/her that one item they would like in a shop while browsing through. Make them fit it on if it clothes and tell them how sexy they look in it. If it’s any other object, show the support and that you understand why it would be useful to have it. Make it be part of your life.

WRITE A LOVE LETTER

This might come across as old fashioned but it is one the most heartfelt gestures you could give to your partner. Imagine the sentiment of knowing that the one you love took time out to put on paper what they think of you.  Don’t you feel special that the focus is on you and your partner? Well I would. People get flattered by getting simple things from people they love. You can always throw the love letter inside the shopping bag of what you just bought them while doing shopping.

APPRECIATE THEM

We all love the idea of being special and knowing we are important. All the things that you should have told your partner but never got a chance to say, say them.  Apologize for the mistakes you have done and move on.  Remind them why you asked them out in the first place and tell them which outfit you like the most and looks great on them, make them blush. Keep it cute and keep the romance alive.

Happy Valentine’s!

Previous by Yaya
2014 Jan. 10: Opulence at the memorial service of Brenda “the hustler”

and

2014 Jan. 5: High Fashion at Muntuza’s funeral in KwaThema

Title:  Intombi I

… in collaboration with Valerie Thomas, Paris (2014)

More photos from this series to be included sooner…
Special Thanks for Cite Des Arts in Paris and French Institute.

Merci beaucoup!

by Sfiso ‘Candice’ Nkosi

It is Thurs. 26th June 2014, my friend, Precious Maqojana and I left for Durban Pride from Johannesburg Park Station at 22:00. We stopped in Montrose for some refreshments and a bathroom break. I was starting to get anxious because the only thing on my mind was “which toilet will I use?”
I was afraid of the crowd and people who don’t understand queer society; Its hard to be queer because you do not really get to express nor live your life freely like a bird. I must be in makeup, dresses and/or stilettos, to use female public toilets. When I’m just my natural self with no makeup and weaves, I raise eyebrows..

I did not take advantage of my bathroom break and eventually we safely arrived in Durban and checked in at Hilton Lodge. We immediately took a nap as we were so tired from the long trip.

After resting, we updated our pages and Facebooked our friends and fans that were in Durban. It was like we were having a show! People came out in numbers to meet us at our hotel. It was awesome meeting new people.. One of our close friends and sister Le Sishi, showed up and she was also staying at the same place. It was a priceless moment to see each other again.

Beauties in Durban. Stephanie, Candice… Le Sishi in a gold dress and Precious

I went out for clubbing the night before Pride, just to get the feel of the place and socialize. I went to Club 101 of which was close by to our lodging place. It’s a club of mixed genders and sexualities, very welcoming and queer friendly. I met few friends and quickly left to sleep because I needed some rest to revive my energy for Pride.

Precious and I took a bath and had breakfast. Pride started at 10:00 but we didn’t arrive on time. We Queens dear, makeup, dress codes have to be on point. After everything we took a cab to Durban Pride. Just when we arrived we caused a scene and everyone wanted a picture with us. But we were surprised to see such a small number people at Pride. I don’t know if it was organised by different people from last year because in 2013 was epic and very full.

We took lots of pictures, the music was good and we danced our butts off. We met new queer people from trans to lesbians and gays. Around 20:00 people started to show up in numbers and we got confused on why at this time?
For so many reasons – Asazi!
We left to prepare for the after party and dress warmly since it was too cold and the sea breeze was so not friendly.

For the night, we first went to Club Adixions, a queer club owned by a black lesbian woman. It was packed and very hot, there were fans (air conditioners) but they were not working.
I wondered why because people could pass out due to the unbearable heat. The DJ was so bad and kept on repeating the same songs over and over again. We decided to leave the club and go to Club 101 lapho zikhipha khona (where it was much more fun). We felt that we having fun as Durbanites are so friendly, I must say.

I used to hear people saying that some Durbanites are homophobic but we didn’t experience that as all we were getting were compliments of how beautiful we were. Others were asking for numbers and we then partied hard !!!
I met a young transman who is a soccer player who stays in Durban. His name Njabulo Nothando Xulu and he works for Ukhozi FM.

Njabulo and his friends treated us like Queens and that was too exciting. They made sure we were comfortable and safe.I started having the bathroom anxiety again. Maybe queer toilets should now be implemented. I went to a female’s toilet and when I got there some black woman jumped from the base and said “no!!!
This is a females toilets eyamadoda ingale!!!”
I didn’t want drama so I left the club and went to the lodge to use the toilet. I don’t know why I have to encounter issues about the toilets.

L-R: Stephanie, Precious and Candice at Durban South beach

On the following day we left for the beach. I could not be in Durban and not go to the beach as that would be a crime. Firstly we went to Shaka Marine, had lunch and took pictures around and finished our day at the beach. It was awesome I tell you.

The welcomes were heart warming but the goodbyes were emotional especially for me. Thinking that I was going back to Johannesburg, the city of depression and frustration made me cry. I seriously didn’t want to go back home but then I had no choice but to leave with hope that I will come back and see those special people I met who made me feel human and special again. Being in Durban was an inexplicable experience; the love, the comfort, the freedom, the positive energy, the laughter, smiles and joy, which I cherish most in my life.

All thanks to my photographer, mentor and person whom I say I call my family Zanele Muholi for giving us the opportunity to revive our spirit of hope, not forgetting his brother Sbonelo Muholi for being so kind and supportive to our trip. I am honorably blessed and thankful to God.

Candice centered by Le and Mini at Durban South Beach in Dec. 2013

Related link

2014 July 10: My remarkable Durban Pride experience

Featuring the  portrait of Siphiwe Mbatha, August House, Johannesburg, 2012
© Zanele Muholi

Previous lectures

2014 June 17:  Muholi’s Ryerson University (RIC) talk

and

2014 April 29:  Muholi to speak at UC San Diego

and

2014 March 21:   Photo of the day from Human Rights and LGBTI in Sub Saharan Africa class

and

2014 March 18:  Sharing South African Queer knowledge with students in America

and

2014 March 5:  More than an activist

and

2014 Feb. 4:  Black Queer Born Frees in South Africa

and

2013 Nov. 4:   From Market Photo Workshop to Bremen University

© Collen Mfazwe
23/06/2014

Previous articles

2014 July 13:    A sincere thank you to all my ex lovers

and

2014 April 30:  Good spirit dampened by my grandfather’s death

and

2014 May 24:   The special boy

by Lindeka Qampi
28/06/2014

Related link

Gay Pride 2014 à Paris, Marche des Fiertés LGBT, c’est parti !

Five months later…

by Yaya Mavundla

How often does a black transwoman from the rural areas get to meet Victoria Beckham in person; have breakfast in the same restaurant with Carlos Santana, fly around Cape Town in a helicopter? Honestly chances are zero, or so you might think. It came true for me.

Every time I thought of Cape Town I just thought of how expensive everything is said to be, definitely not a city I ever thought I would enjoy spending the whole week at.

On 26 February 2014, Zanele Muholi, Valerie Thomas and I, travelled from Johannesburg to Cape Town for Design Indaba where Zanele Muholi was one of the speakers for State of the Art.
When we arrived at the airport at about 13:10 the driver from @designindaba was already waiting with a sign written ‘Zanele Muholi’ as instructed by Cherize Ross, the project manager of the event.

Panelists:  L- R: Athi Patra Ruga, Zanele Muholi, Nandi Mntambo &  (Moderator) Hans Ulrich.

In my mind I thought we were getting into a shuttle but to my surprise, it was the new Mini Cooper. I was beyond words! Almost every girl would love to be driven around in the new Mini around the Green City of Cape Town.

I knew we were going to an upmarket hotel, Mount Nelson, but I didn’t realise its historical significance. The luxury was on another level and, the people you meet there are people of a certain standing in society.

While at the reception waiting for our room allocation, the Victoria Beckham came in like boom!
I mean it’s a different experience having to be in the VIP area at an Elton John concert and be in the same reception area with such a global icon. Goose bumps are what you get when such happens.

Our room was still being prepared for us to move in and after four hours of waiting for our room allocation, we moved in. This was definitely something that we were not anticipating and perhaps left a bitter taste in our mouths. All I can say is incompetence!

Apart from that, and I say that lightly, everything else was superb. The linen was definitely the most comfortable linen I’ve ever slept in. It was so luxurious that I couldn’t wait to take a nap to feel the softness rubbing against my skin. My skin was actually written happiness all over when I woke up.

After we had settled in and had time to freshen up, we got ready for dinner and Muholi suggested we go to V&A Waterfront. We opted to take a walk which was about 35min although it did not feel anything like it at all. I certainly enjoyed the crisp air and the exercise. Valery wanted to eat Oysters, which I later tried and decided against.

We finally found a restaurant which served sea food. Unfortunately, or fortunately – depending on who you are – we had to dine outside as it was full inside. It was cold, as the restaurant we chose was right next to the harbour. After we ordered our drinks and food, they were able to create a very small table for three, right next to the door inside and they went ahead and fussed over us.

After a great dinner we had, we decided to go back to the hotel and rest as the week ahead was going to be hectic. Everything seemed as if we were going have a great experience and that’s what exactly happened.

Photos by Lindeka Qampi & Zanele Muholi

To be continued…

To interact with me please follow me on twitter and Instagram
@YayaRSA

or

@MuholiZanele.

You can also like our Facebook page Inkanyiso.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRhlqfiiDZA

My name is woman…
My name is woman who loves women
I am created in the image of human
Seek I not in hell nor heaven for
I exist only in the midst
of the haves and the have nots
of the world…

To define me, love is the word
All I ever practice was to love and needed to be loved…
Not to abused, extorted, raped
Today, I lay on the bed drowning in my tears of extortion
What happened to concern of my liberation?
Today I lay in a hospital bed, my body aches from being abused…
What happened to allowing me to explain instead of being wrongfully accused?

Today I lay in a coffin, dead being raped
I could no longer tolerate
I have been raped for being a woman
I have been raped in ”correction” of loving another woman
I have been raped over and over again by so many men once at a time and many a time…
I have been killed and dumped in trash cans, toilets, dump sites, you name it…
I have been buried with no justice served,
a case trial that comes to no conclusion

My name is woman
I am created in the image of human
Do not even try
To diverge me mind
From the truth it seeks
For itself it speaks
The only war I know is to protect
My loved ones and those you neglect
Why do you feel the sudden urge to engage me in your violent war
I wish not to know nor practice

This skill I was not naturally given
How is your sin deserving to be forgiven?
Why deem it fit to prove your manhood upon me?
Don’t u trust and know your value without enforcing it on me?

My name is woman who loves women
I AM created in the image of human
I am capable of bearing children
as I am of loving my own caliber
My soft skin is not for your rough hands
My beautiful body is not for your sexual trends
My healthy heart is not for you to hate

My lady lover is not for you to bait
My heart and hands are to love her
My body and belly are to feel her
My face and feet are to stand for her
My mouth and mind are to save her
If you too were to
focus on she who loves thee

You would be able to embrace
The blessing in your embrace
This is dedicated To the women that carry us,
cry for us,
care for us,
depend on us
defend us,
die for us,
LOVE, PEACE & HAPPINESS where you are…
Stay beautiful, brave and blessed!!!

© Lebo Mashifane
Aug.9, 2014

photo by Zanele Muholi featuring Odidi Mfenyana

… work in progress!!!

Related articles

2014 Aug. 19: Makau family mourns the brutal murder of their beloved

photo by Zanele Muholi featuring Odidi Mfenyana

… work in progress!!!

Related articles

2014 Aug. 19: Makau family mourns the brutal murder of their beloved

 by Lebo Mashifane

On August 29, 2014, Lindeka Qampi, Zanele Muholi, Martha Qumba and myself visited Aurora Girls High School in Zola One, Soweto. It’s a school where Lindeka and Zanele are busy tutoring photography to some learners after school hours.

When we arrived there some of the learners were still in class and it was difficult to get a vacant classroom to occupy. The school had classrooms with broken windows and it was a very windy and cold day. Classrooms were freezing and the wind was blowing through the broken windows. And it is built on a field with water and it is located next to a cemetery.

Martha Qumba on the left glancing in the room where learners where practising their lithography artworks…

Martha a researcher from Cape Town interviewed some of the learners while I captured the interviews on video. It was interesting and insightful to hear how the learners spoke of their first camera experience. The most common issue they encountered when taking their very first picture was taking a blurry picture.

Busisiwe Radebe motivating young female photographers at Aurora Girls High School on the 29th Aug. 2014

We were later joined by Busisiwe Radebe and Makwele Makwele from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Busisiwe did a presentation informing the learners about opportunities that the DTI can offer them, such as incentives and internships.

The presentation also was very motivational. She was not only professional but she also talked about her personal experience as she expressed her love for the learners. Her message to the children was ”Each one Teach One.”

L-R: Thando Khumalo and Kamo Petlele, our young promising photographers… Photos by Lindeka Qampi

The visual work done by Lindeka and Zanele was very powerful. They have brought opportunities into the school for the learners. Not only have they ”given back to community” or take a girl child to school but they became pillars that carry these learners on an everyday basis.

Linda Mankazana, an educator Aurora and 2014 PhotoXP collaborator thanked the guest speaker for her special visit and mentioned that the school has 1300 learners and only 1 percent of the entire school is given opportunities that even past matriculants never had. She said these learners spend their month end weekend in a classroom developing themselves.

Previous by Lebo

2014 Aug. 9: My name is Woman

My name is Lesiba Mothibe also known as Lee. I was born on the 5 August 1984 in BBH
(hospital’s name) now known as Tambo Memorial Hospital. I’m the first born and have two siblings a brother and sister.

I matriculated in 2002 at Benoni Educational College, then in 2003 I attended FET the Ekurhuleni East Colleges. I graduated in 2004, obtaining the Clothing Production Diploma. During 2003 to 2005 I was also a Beauty Queen won 6 titles in 2 years. Including the most precious one to my heart as the first Miss Gay Daveyton in 2003, that’s when my life got exciting and I follow to enter other pageants in and around Gauteng.

Featuring in Black Queer Youth series, Parktown, Johannesburg (2013). 

 I’m currently leaving in Daveyton, renting a room. I’m working as a Collections Consultant in a bank, studying part time Project Management Degree at UNISA. I also run and organize the Miss Gay Daveyton.

I love my Daveyton I want to bring change and positivity in the LGBTIQ community in my neighbourhood too. Though I stayed in other towns and townships, I eventually came back to instil the change I want to see in our township.

I’m a game changer, leader and activist. I’m also an introvert, come across as shy sometimes, but I have the ability to shine in any given situation. I’m mostly motivated by the thoughts of being average and normal. I push boundaries and create opportunities for myself. 

I’m a founder of Uthingo (the rainbow) together with other gays and lesbians in Daveyton. I was selected as a chairperson for two years until I resigned in order to pursue my own visions. I’m proud to have been part of the organization and wish them the best.

Featuring in Beauties series… With Yaya & Mellisa in December 2013, in Durban South Beach… 

With my friends Funo & Akhona at Soweto Pride in 2012…     © Photos by Zanele Muholi

 
I have just turned 30, I’m loving it and thankful to the Lord for blessing me with such an interesting life. I grew up in a loving environment with both my parents. This would have marked their 30 years anniversary as they married a month after I was born. My father passed on when I was in matric, two weeks before I turned 18 and two months before I wrote my final exams. It was a traumatic year ever in my life as I lost my polar because we’re a close knit family. 
My mom was there for all of us, she’s a strong and powerful woman who stands and supports us at all times no matter what.

Everyone at home knows about my sexuality and they knew since I can remember.  My siblings have never discriminated against me in any form. My identity was always visual and I never had the pressure to hide and be in the so called closet. I’ve lived with my grandma mostly, she always told me how special and beautiful I was. She embraced me. I believe that helped everyone to appreciate and warm up to my uniqueness. The only discrimination I encountered was from the school, neighbourhood and church.

I like reading, going out for movies and drinks with friends, networking and implementing my ideas.

I believe there’s no time to rest while our community lacks knowledge and understanding, that’s why I haven’t moved out of Daveyton. I want to develop my township first and leave a legacy behind even though a lot of people always tell me that I’ve brought a change. I’m not yet satisfied with the little I have done. Hence they say charity begins at home. A good friend of mine said to me ” acknowledge and celebrate yourself, your achievements and congratulate yourself at all times because people won’t do that while you’re still alive. It motived me to write and tell my own story because I noticed it was true. We need to change our mindset and embrace each other while we still alive.

For a very long time I identified myself as a feminine gay man but I never found a sense of belonging and know myself. With lots of soul searching and learning more about different sexualities I’ve found my identity. I’m a proud feminine transgender, I endorse my uniqueness and caring myself with pride and dignity.

I have been dating my partner for nine years, he’s a bisexual man. I’m comfortable in dating bisexual man. Both our families know about our relationship, we seldomly go out to LGBTIQ events as he feels left out. We decided to separate our social life with our private life and its working-out perfectly. 
Love to me is pure and simple, beyond honesty and integrity lies trust which is the foundation of love.

Hate crimes are a nightmare to both homosexuals and their parents. We live in fear of being ourselves and embracing our being even though we have the most liberal Constitution in the entire world. We are not free, we face the same insults, get victimized all the time. We must make sure that our safety is in our own hands.

I have to be careful where ever I go and that’s not fair. How will killing me change anyone to be straight?
That’s why I believe we need the Justice Department which is disciplined.

My township is not different from any other South African township. I’m a hate crime survivor myself, the scars I have on my back shows how stronger I am. Even when it happened eleven years ago I still remember it like it was yesterday.

As a leader I would encourage homosexuals to stop discriminating against each other, that’s when heterosexuals get the strength to be homophobic. We need to stand up for each other and embrace our uniqueness. Let’s love one another. I would like to be part of a happier and successful LGBTIQ.

I would also like to open a gay Lifestyle Centre where I can be able to have variety of activities there, for instance a pub and grill, art gallery, theatre and a club. 

I’ve agreed to work on the Beauties Project because beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and any other form. I’m representing all the transgender man and woman who can’t celebrate themselves, not acknowledged and still fear to be themselves. The world needs to know that although we have the liberal and fair Constitution amongst other countries yet we are not free. The United Nations (UN) needs to intervene because our own laws are failing us.

Previous life stories

2014 Aug. 9: “I am not a lesbian by choice”

and

2014 July 26: “I was born this way and I cannot change the skin that I live in”

and

2014 June 25: I consider myself beautiful not handsome…

and

2014 May 24: The special boy

and

2014 May 7: I don’t like being identified in terms and definitions

and

2014 May 18: Behind the beautiful face you see is a lesbian who is torn into a million pieces

and

2014 May 30: I was a boy who would one day grow up to be a man

and

2013 Oct. 22: I thought university was for the rich

and

2013 Oct. 16: I am a beautiful young dyke, a woman lover

and

2013 Oct. 12: I just feel she deserves much better

and

2013 Oct. 2: I am a normal transgender woman’

and

2013 Aug. 22: Am exactly where I’m supposed to be

and

2013 July 15: The virus has become a silent relative

and

2013 June 27: Who I Am

and

2013 March 10: “I love women and they love me”

and

2013 February 28: I am not a Victim but a Victor

By Martha Qumba

Some guest speakers were invited by Inkanyiso to speak to young female photographers at Aurora High School Girls in Soweto.

Gabi Ngcobo, Fine Artists and Arts Lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand, Megan Heilig and Jammy-Lee Brophy both art students at Wits, Ziyanda Majozi, mosaic artist from Cape Town and Martha Qumba, a freelance journalist from Cape Town. The purpose was to motivate the girls who were doing photography with Inkanyiso. In February 2014 Inkanyiso has started a photography project to empower girls and to understand that they can become photographers as well.

L-R: Gabi Ngcobo, Ziyanda Majozi, Megan Heilig, Jammy-Lee and Martha Qumba, our guest speakers for the day…

Gabi talked about the importance of being creative and she said with creativity one can come up with amazing things.
By drawing on her own approaches to fundraising Gabi Ngcobo advised on creative ways of ‘raising funds’ by also reconsidering what we mean by “infrastructure” – considering human infrastructure and collaboration. Quoting an African proverb Ngcobo said “alone we go fast, together we go far!”

She said there are many ways of fundraising and learners should start making their own ways.

Megan and Jammy-Lee talked about what they studying and the importance of art.
They offered themselves to do printmaking workshop for the learners.

Ziyanda talked about her work as well and how fascinating it was to share her experience with the learners.

Martha emphasized writing skills so that the learners can document their own history and stories for themselves. She then stressed the importance of writing and encouraged them to write.

Afterwards floods of questions came from the learners. They were interested to know various ways of fundraising.

Previous links

2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker

and

2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography

and

2014 Aug.1: InterGenerational conversation with current and future stars

and

2014 July 16: Through the eyes of young women photographers

and

2014 July 12:   From Soweto to Paris for the love of photography

and

2014 July 13:  “Give children cameras not candies”

Featuring the  portrait of Siphiwe Mbatha, August House, Johannesburg, 2012
© Zanele Muholi

Previous lectures

2014 June 17:  Muholi’s Ryerson University (RIC) talk

and

2014 April 29:  Muholi to speak at UC San Diego

and

2014 March 21:   Photo of the day from Human Rights and LGBTI in Sub Saharan Africa class

and

2014 March 18:  Sharing South African Queer knowledge with students in America

and

2014 March 5:  More than an activist

and

2014 Feb. 4:  Black Queer Born Frees in South Africa

and

2013 Nov. 4:   From Market Photo Workshop to Bremen University

© Collen Mfazwe
23/06/2014

Previous articles

2014 July 13:    A sincere thank you to all my ex lovers

and

2014 April 30:  Good spirit dampened by my grandfather’s death

and

2014 May 24:   The special boy

Aurora High School girls are challenging the male dominated industry by taking extra photography lessons. These Grade 10 and 12 learners from impoverished communities want to become photographers so that they can document their own stories.

The visual pilot project for high school youth began in February 2014 is made possible by four facilitators: Linda Mankazana, Valerie Thomas, Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi who are all experts in various fields.
Muholi introduced photography at the school to empower a girl child. They said it is important for a girl child to have access to photography to pave a way for other girls.  It started in February 2014.

L-R: Thando & Kamo…

Noluthando Khumalo – Grade 9

I stay in Zola and I’m doing Grade 9. I didn’t know anything about photography before Zanele and Lindeka came to introduce it here at my school.

I always see men as photographers not women and I thought it’s for them only. I never even thought of doing it or at least holding a camera with my hands.
I didn’t know that girls can become photographers. My first time holding a camera was here at school with Lindeka and I was excited and shaking. It was such a nerve wrecking experience to hold it but I did manage. I was holding it in a wrong way and I didn’t know what to do.  My first photo was about goats, water, a dumping site too.

It was not good but Lindeka helped me to make it right.

I would like to continue with photography, I want to shoot soccer games, fashion and orphans. I want to tell my my people about what’s happening in their community. I don’t have a mother only my dad sometimes it’s difficult not to have a mother. I want to tell orphans’ stories because I know how is like not to have parents.
Lindeka is like my mom, she motivates me a lot. When you want to give up she tells you not to.
She’s so inspirational.  She has inspired me a lot. It would be bad if she can left us and returned to Cape Town.

Lulama Rikhotso – Grade 10

I’m a Grade 10 learner and I stay in Dobsonville.
Linda Mankazana, one of my teachers, told us that Zanele and Lindeka would come and do photography with us.
I didn’t know anything about photography and  didn’t even care about it. All I wanted to do was to become a fashion designer because I love fashion.
When I see TV personalities  I always get fascinated by their clothes, they always wear nice clothes.

I was so nervous the first time I held a camera. I held it right but I pressed the wrong button. I took my very first picture of my cousin’s clothes and I was excited about it. My challenges are different angles, focus and framing but I’m getting there. I am confident about my camera skills now I can even shoot the Minister of Education.

Mthabiseni Mbhele  – Grade 11

I’m from Braamfischer and I do Business Management and Tourism here at school. I like traveling it keeps one active and it’s important to me.

In my life I’ve never touched a camera it was my first time touching it here school with Lindeka.
Again I never thought of myself becoming a photographer. I took my first photo of … I made some mistakes. It was blurry and I cut others. It was hard to focus and for the second time it was better. Holding it was not a problem because I took a cue from others then I held it in a right way.
Lindeka told me of my mistakes and afterwards I felt happy and confident.  I would want to own a camera one day so that I can always shoot everywhere I go.

Lindeka has taught me a lot, she’s patient, she takes us out to shoot things that we never thought  of shooting. She let us know our communities and stories within it.  People and my friends from my community  never thought that a girl can take photos.

I can combine my photography and tourism because I see that there is a link between the two professions. Tourism is about traveling and when I travel I see places.
I now see photography as very important in my studies.

Tshireletso Mochuise – Grade 11

I got exposed to camera from a young age  because my uncle is a photographer and he has a camera. I used to take care of his camera at home. I never touched his equipment though because he was very sensitive about it.

I didn’t know about photography. I didn’t know about a camera too until Lindeka came to school and taught us about it. She taught us how to shoot, frame a picture, position focus and the importance of taking a photo and how to get a good picture.

At first it was a bit complicated but I manage to do it. One other day we went to shoot outside of the school yard and Lindeka saw grannies playing soccer, she asked us to take a picture. It was interesting photographs because it is rare to find grannies playing football in our townships.

I then started felling in love with it. I love telling stories through photography. At this stage I feel very good about taking pictures also I want to further my studies in Media Studies so that I can become a good and well known photographer. Grabbing this opportunity I want to prove people  wrong. They think girls or women can’t be photographers. I am happy to be with Lindeka…

Elisa Pica – Grade 10

I am from Zone 2 Zondi and I live with my parents. I never had an interest in photography I thought it was for only boys. I never saw a black woman holding a camera or taking pictures. I once saw a white woman taking photographs and I thought it’s for only them until Zanele and Lindeka came to us.

Zanele taught me how to shoot and take videos.

For my first picture I took cows and we’re out in the community shooting with Lindeka. I was shaking and nervous at first. She said it was a nice picture though I didn’t feel happy about it because my zooming and focus were wrong. I didn’t specifically use focus and it was out of focus. On my very first picture I was nervous because I never hold a camera till that day.

I want to continue with photography to show the people that I can do it. I also I like drama, telling stories thus I want o continue with it. I’m so fortunate about this opportunity because I’m the only one at home in my community too. Others didn’t have it and the person to guide them too I understand.

I would like to own a camera one day so that I can continue shooting. I would be happy if my parents can buy me one I can shoot everyday.
I sometimes tell them about this photography I’m doing here at school. Lindeka is a very good person, I learnt a lot from her. Now I can even say I’m a professional photographer.

Nompumelelo Mali – Grade 9

I’m a Grade 9 learner and I come from Zolani North. I like taking pictures. When I was in Grade 7 my parents bought me a phone and I was taking pictures of myself, events and my friends.  I never thought of myself being a photographer or photography can be studied.  At that time I was just taking photos because I was just enjoying it but my friends were so impressed about my photos.

The day Lindeka and Zanele came to school my mind changed and I learnt more about photography. I always wanted to be a journalist I didn’t think that journalism and photography are intertwined until they told us about it.

I didn’t know what to press and I was scared.  I knew nothing about focus.  A camera is completely different from a phone camera because one just press but with photography there’s focus, zooming and angles.

My first photo was a portrait, it was wrong and blurry.  I was very scared, confused and it was very difficult on my first time. I thought it would fell because it was heavy. I pressed the wrong button also I hold it in a wrong way but Lindeka was patient to teach me about it. She then told me what I must do and the way I should do it.

I can take a photo now I can just take a camera and shoot. I feel confident, happy and proud of myself.  As a result I want to continue with photography alone.

I never thought girls can become photographers or either can take photos. I wish I can have my own camera and take photos anytime. Lindeka can show you what’s wrong and she teaches us well.

Kamogelo Petlele – Grade 10

I live in Zola North with my parents and my sibling. I want to become a civil engineer.
I haven’t thought of me being a camera person or holding it or for instance stand behind a camera. It was my first time to hear about photography when Lindeka explained and taught me.

I became more interested in it afterwards.  My first shot was kids playing  in a dam. It was hard at first but I took it. Prior to that I thought photography was only for men. Though I have started late but I’ve managed to catch up. I was not present when Lindeka and Zanele came to do an introduction session.

I learnt that in photography you don’t talk a lot pictures must talk. I am great that I’ve started it at an early age and I wish other girls could have this great opportunity too.

I’m proud of Lindeka, I give her honour. She taught me how to hold a camera, she taught me the right things. God has sent her to teach me.  She takes a lot of time. When she explains something she does it thoroughly. She’s got a good heart with kids.

I’m now confident about a camera because of her. I want to continue with it and combine with civil engineering.  I don’t feel good about the fact that girls don’t know anything about photography and it’s a very big challenge. I would want to teach girls as well kind of giving them some skills. I would want girls to start photography at my age.

Nonhlanhla Maluleka – Grade 11                     

I live with my parents in Zola 3 and at home I’m the only one who got the opportunity. My parents too never got the opportunity. I’m happy to start photography at the early age and young.

I feel so special and good about myself for taking pictures.
My mother supports me a lot.  The first time I was shaking, a camera was heavy.

I took a picture of a gay man who was raped twice, I didn’t believe myself. Lindeka said it’s a good picture. I want to document people everywhere because photography is about traveling. I have taken many photos and I would want to continue with photography. I see myself as a professional artist.

I haven’t seen a woman photographer until I research Zanele Muholi’s name on the internet. I felt so special when I saw her work. Photography is all about men taking pictures and women are not there. There’s a lot of gender stereotyping in photography.

The reason why I do photography I want people to see it not for only men but for everyone.  It’s important for girls to do photography so that they can document their stories.  My friends ask me all the time about photography. They always ask me ‘how did you get it’. They also want to do it.

Before I thought you can only do photography at tertiary. I feel grateful about Lindeka. She’s patient, she can deal with us. I would feel so unhappy if she could leave us and go to Cape Town. She’s always with us she tells us to feel a camera, think about your picture no one should think for you.

Thando Methane seated in front row, far left…

Thando Methane – Grade 12

I live in Mapetla, Soweto with my parents. I learn a lot from photography I found family and friends.  I’m much more close to Lindeka. I didn’t know how to take a picture before Lindeka and Zanele came to our school. It was interesting.
I never thought of photography until Lindeka did her presentation.  Lindeka gave us photography basics she told us about a view finder, hold your camera ,  put a camera around your neck and arm.  She also told us about different angles and sides as well. It made a lot of confusion when I heard about them for the first time.

I want to study Journalism and I only thought about it not photography. When Zanele started the training with us I then thought of combining journalism and photography. I never thought journalism also needs photography.

My interest is to document women’s stories, our own history, linking apartheid with what’s happening in people’s lives. People need to understand that black people are still poor.

Lindeka asked us to take pictures of each other and it was great to see that person’s reflection. I felt proud and I asked myself whether I was able to do it. That process was revealing new Thando in me.

My uncle is a photographer he just takes them to make ends meet.
He never inspired me. I wanted to get an inspiration.

I would be happy if I can have a camera to see myself as a photographer.

When I researched Zanele  on the internet, I was like ‘damn this woman’.
I got inspired by Lindeka.  Now I am confident because of her. She really played a role in me. She is my mom, she’s very supportive, cares a lot,  she’s got a big heart.
She tolerates and patient with us.
She’s amazing.

Sindisiwe Ncube – Grade 12

I live in Mndeni South with my parents. Ma’am Linda Mankazana told us that there would   be people doing photography at our school and I became very interested.

I used to take pictures with my phone and I used to take different places and environment.  I decided to do photography because I like Media Studies and I can be behind the scenes.

Before Lindeka and Zanele came to school to tell us about photography I didn’t know anything about it.

I didn’t know what to do on my first time taking a picture but Lindeka told me to focus all the time. I shot a bus, a dirty place, goats and a cemetery. I was not sure of myself but Lindeka helped me.  She said using focus all the time is very important for your picture.

My mother was not happy about it when I told her that I’m doing photography at school. She thought it will make me tired and distract me from my books.
When ma’am Linda Mankazana came home and explained to her then she became soft. I also make sure I do everything in the house so that she can allow me to go and practice photography.

It was my first time to see a woman photographer. There are mostly men in photography and I believe as women we’re capable of doing everything, there’s no women’s or men’s work.

I am happy about photography also I learnt that a person is capable of doing anything you wish to do. I am confident about myself.

Lindeka is a very patient person. Our teachers get tired of us. She makes sure that you understand, she repeats it all the time. It’s really a good opportunity for me.

My friends from my community are surprise that I’m doing photography. It’s not something common in our communities to see a woman holding a camera.

Thobekile Zwane – Grade 11

I come from Jabulani, Soweto.
I live with my brothers. My mom passed away in 2005, I was still young at that time.

I feel so fortunate to be involved in Lindeka and Zanele’s group. I didn’t know Zanele before.  What she wants from a girl child is for her to know people, to communicate through photography. I was a soccer player before and I loved football. I didn’t know anything about photography at all and I didn’t bother …

The first time I shot a portrait, it was easy but shocking.

It’s interesting to do photography it has made me to understand things, see new things everyday, understand it as a career. I think about it all the time and I even told my brothers at home they are very supportive.  You can wake me up at 2am telling me to shoot, I will just slowly open my eyes then I will take the camera go and shoot.

I love shooting nature because it has four different seasons and in them you see different things. I feel very fortunate about this opportunity as a young woman from Soweto it has really changed me. I used to have bad friends but through photography I’ve managed to leave them and focus on me.

My brother has promised me to buy a camera and I’m happy. I will shoot everyday.

Lindeka is a mother to me. She understands us and she explains things thoroughly. 
I don’t want her to go I know her kids are in Cape Town.

I would like photography to be introduced as a subject in schools so that girls can have an opportunity to know about it. In my community some girls do ask me about photography and they want to be involved too.

Teacher Mankazana is my mom. I can say she’s my second mom because my mom died in 2006.
She gives me love that I don’t get.  She does things for me and she doesn’t get tired.
I love her.

Ntomb’futhi Shabalala – Grade 10

I live with my mom and my siblings in Dobsonville. I knew a bit about photography through my neighbour who is a photographer. We used to chill out and talk about it. He used to tell me that photography is about colour, capturing memories, people and things around you, also you going out.

There’s nothing wrong with my first picture because I’m a perfect and extra ordinary and I like extra ordinary things as well. I had to find a perfect position, focus because without focus there’s no picture.

Zanele and Lindeka came to introduce photography at my school to empower us girls. It’s a great opportunity for us here. I would like other girls to grab these kinds of opportunities.

I’m a painter and drawer and I’ve found a third love in photography and I consider myself as an artist.

Lindeka is my mother to me and she’s good in what she’s doing. My dream would to collaborate wither at some point.

Zanele has got fortitude; she bears whatever comes on her way.
I would like to own a camera but I know my mom won’t afford it.

Related links

2014 Sept. 8: Manku and her niece buried next to each other

by Lerato Dumse
Photos by Kamo Petlele

and

2014 July 16: Through the eyes of young women photographers

and

2014 July 12: From Soweto to Paris for the love of photography

and

2014 July 13: ” Give children cameras not candies”

and

2014 Aug.1: InterGenerational conversation with current and future stars

and

2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography

and

2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker

and

2014 Aug. 28: Fine Artists on importance of being creative

and

2014 Sept. 8: Manku and her niece buried next to each other

Photo album by Ntombifuthi Shabalala from Aurora Girls High School

My first visit to eKapa for the Cape Town Month of Photography where we presented our projects at Labia Theatre amongst other experts.

Colourful homes, a good view in Muizenberg beach…

Get yourself wet my chomies…

My friends friends are experiencing the beach for the first time since we do not have one in Johannesburg…

My friends from Young Female Photographers (Aurora Girls High School), Nhlanhla Maluleka (left) and Mthabiseni Mbhele (right)…

A surfer in Fish Hoek beach…

Looking at the mountain from Fish hoek beach…

Stillness…

Colour heals… even beach goers…

Related links on Aurora Girls High School  –  2014 PhotoXP project

2014 July 16: Through the eyes of young women photographers
http://inkanyiso.org/2014/07/16/2014-july-16-through-the-eyes-of-young-women-photographers/

and

2014 July 12: From Soweto to Paris for the love of photography

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/07/13/2014-july-12-between-collaborations-and-collectivism/

and

2014 July 13: ” Give children cameras not candies”

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/07/13/2014-july-13-give-children-cameras-not-candies/

and

2014 Aug.1: InterGenerational conversation with current and future stars

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/08/06/2014-aug-1-intergenerational-conversation-with-current-and-future-stars/

and

2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/01/2014-aug-30-young-aspiring-photographers-experimenting-lithography/

and

2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/03/2014-aug-30-insighful-guest-visit/

and

2014 Aug. 28: Fine Artists on importance of being creative

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/10/2014-aug-28-fine-artists-on-importance-of-being-creative/

2014 Sept. 8: Manku and her niece buried next to each other

http://inkanyiso.org/2014/09/11/2014-sept-8-manku-and-her-niece-buried-next-to-each-other/

 
MORE DETAILS

Mail & Guardian made a mention of some yfl two weeks ago and the link is:
http://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-18-15-significant-sa-photographers-to-know

Previous PhotoXP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCywB_Yw5v8

Thanks once again.

© Photos by Zanele Muholi (2014)