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

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Teaching photography to young women at Aurora Girls High school
with my 3 collaborators/ facilitators: Lindeka Qampi (SA photographer and activist), Linda Mankazana (SA educator and activist) and Valerie Thomas (French physician and activist).
We started the visual project in February 2014 at Aurora Girls High School.
The participating learners’ age group (13 – 20).

Our major goal is to have photography introduced as a course at township schools in South Africa. AGHS is our pilot project. We will host a conference on Young Women and Visual Activism where an exhibition featuring mainly the students photographs will be on show. We wish to have a publication to mark this project.

So far the project is not funded by any donor, Muholi pays for equipment, field trips and compensates the main facilitator for her time. She regards this visual project as part of her social responsibility.

Photo Experience (PhotoXP) was founded by Muholi in 2004 and more than 50 black women have been trained in Basic Photography skills.

 

2014 PhotoXP group photo_05572014 April 16:  Our photography facilitator Lindeka Qampi at the centre with our photography learners at Aurora Girls High school, Soweto.

 

2014-02-21 14.23.112014 Feb. 17: Photo XP facilitator and founder, Zanele Muholi with one of the young learners at AGHS

 

linda lindeka valerie_29332014 July 2: Our beautiful and brilliant facilitators outside French Institute, Paris.L-R:  Lindeka Qampi, Linda Mankazana and Valerie Thomas.

 

2014 PhotoXP Linda Lorraine Muholi Lindeka Valerie _29122014 July 2:
…with Lorraine Gobin of RubisMecenat at Zanele Muholi’s studio – Cite Des Arts in Paris.

 

2014 July 4 PxP Crew with Sandra & Camilla in PARIS_33622014 July 3: At the back Linda & Valerie (at the back) with Sandra & Camilla (front) looking at Lindeka Qampi’s presenting Aurora visual project.

 

2014 July 5 Valerie Linda Camilla Lindeka Sandra_33792014 July 5: … at Muholi’s art residency studio, Cite Des Arts in Paris, France.
with Sandra Terdjman and Camilla of Council (an agency for artistic researches)
L-R: … with Valerie,  Linda,  Camilla,  Lindeka,  Sandra and Muholi in front.
Self timed photo captured by Zanele Muholi with Canon 6D.

 

Linda Nathalie Muholi Lindeka Valerie-12014 July 5:  After our meeting and presentation
 at Muholi’s art residency studio, Cite Des Arts in Paris, France.
… with filmmakers from Chromatic Existences – Valerie Urrea and Nathalie Masduraud, who recently launched a documentary on South African photographers.

L-R:  Linda,  Nathalie, Muholi, Lindeka and Valerie Urrea.
Self timed photo captured by Zanele Muholi with Canon 6D.

 

2014 July 5 Muholi LINDEKA Manu Piet LINDA Valerie in Bondy PARIS_9781-1

2014 July 5:  After dinner in Bondy, Paris. France
Our last meeting was with the physician Emmanuelle Piet, director or the Collectif feministe contre le viol and in charge of the PMI organization in Seine-Saint-Denis for the conseil general. She has just launched a campaign against incest in France.
We discussed with her the possibilities of extending the PhotoXP in Seine-Saint-Denis.

The 2014 Cite Des Art Residency in Paris, has given me more than a chance to create but to network with many creative/brilliant minds and also to further my collaborative strategies.

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Origins of the concept

In June 2004, Zanele Muholi started teaching photography skills to black youth and women under the Photo XP banner while she was a photo-journalist and webmaster at Behind the Mask.
WomensNet provided a space for the resulting exhibition during their Gender Stats launch at Museum Africa for Women’s Month that year.

In July 2004, Zanele trained women in Ngotshe, in the Eastern part of KwaZulu Natal, with the support of the Market Photography Workshop. The third Photo XP took place in 2006 under the auspices of Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), of which Zanele is a co-founder.
FEW’s 2007 calendar was the primary output.
The next was in 2008, with Lulekisizwe black lesbian youth from Gugulethu and Nyanga townships in Cape Town.

In 2009 was commissioned by Triangle Project to train young black lesbians photography for research, themed Ndim’Lo. The participants came from various township of Cape Town. A book for research was realized from that experience.
In 2011 – 2012 worked with FreeGender, a black lesbian organisation based in Khayelitsha and the experience was themed Ikhaya.
I co-facilitated the project with Lindeka Qampi who is currently working with us in 2014 PhotoXP.
We partnered with  with Greatmore studios and  exhibition took place at their premises, Woodstock, Cape Town in May 2012.
The Photo XPs are thematized like Indawo Yami – My Place, since the central idea was for participants to capture everyday images from their immediate environment.
The previous projects included field trips where participants were exposed to gendered mainstream sites, corporate boardrooms, museums, galleries and archives.
The overall objective of the Photo Experience Project is to continuously promote and support the self-production of photographs that will trace, document, and preserve black, female, lesbian and queer existences within the South Africa social and cultural landscapes.

So with this visual literacy initiative, the idea is to increase women’s participation in Photography so that they learn about South African history and rewrite their own as a way of celebrating 20 years of Democracy in South Africa.
Siyafundisana (meaning we are teaching/ learning from each other) aims to embrace the question of women’s empowerment, by giving participants a platform to talk about their lives – how they are being raised and educated in Soweto and beyond – through the production of their own images of their daily lived realities.

 

3.         PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This pilot project was started in February 2014. Ten students who showed interest in visual media and journalism were identified. Capturing images of their daily life became a long journey of storytelling. They have explored many aspects of their reality, documenting, among other things: the challenges of the environment including poverty, sexual abuse and rape, teenage pregnancies, and living and aging with HIV; local history reported by the oldest witnesses of the community; sexual orientation; and tradition,

The project borrows from the conceptual and strategic approaches of previous Photo XPs,  and involves the following:

 

Activities:

  • Provision of cameras and other production equipment
  • Training in photography, film-making and related skills
  • Train the learners interviewing skills before the photograph is taken
  • Assignment of areas and/or events for trainees to document, with a focus on their own communities
  • Field trips
  • Guest workshops and discussions facilitated by subject matter experts
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Paid assignments
  • Dissemination of trainees’ works through online portals, live events and self-produced publications

The subjects being covered in the pilot include school activities, social landscapes, daily experiences in the communities where they live, and the activities and portraits of family members and friends.

 

Objectives:

  • To train ten learners in photography, creative writing and basic entrepreneurial skills
  • To enhance the number of black women photographers in South Africa
  • To encourage them to document their daily realities, produce visual materials that speak the truths, have the final production exhibited and published in various publications: book, journals, magazines, etc.
  • To empower the learners regarding their needs, career choices and personal expectations in life
  • To open a visual space for them to address their education, safety, freedom of expression, sexuality and health-related concerns
  • To conscientize the participants on gender-based violence and health related issues
  • To use visual media as a priceless way of understanding adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions
  • To provide participants with the opportunity to question mainstream media representations of them
  • To increase young women’s participation in photography
  • To introduce a different approach to life skills training

Expected outcomes:

The project facilitators play the role, not only of trainers, coaches and mentors supporting the learners to document themselves, but of archivers and documenters themselves, helping to produce a photo-history for the school and community. The following outcomes are expected:

  • Participants are equipped with skills and knowledge to make an independent living from photography
  • An exhibition of the images produced
  • Visual Activism conference with female participants
  • A publication and other photographic products

Participation

The pilot involves the following ten learners from Aurora Girls High School in Soweto:

 

Name & Surname Age Grade
 
Elisa Pica  (17) 10
Kamohelo Petlele (16) 10
Nonhlanhla Maluleka (17) 11
Nthabiseng Mbhele (16) 11
Ntombifuthi Shabalala (16) 10
Sihle Shezi (18) 11
Sindisiwe Ncube (18) 12
Thando Methane (17) 12
Thobekile Zwane (20) 11
Tsiiseleretso Machuisa (18) 11

 

 

Photographs taken by Aurora Girls High learners will follow…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2014 July 12: Being treated like a Queen in Durban

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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.

precious and candice

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.

 

... Le Sishi in a gold dress

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.

 

candice candice

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

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

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

 

 

Related link

2014 July 10: My remarkable Durban Pride experience

 

 

 

 

 


2014 July 28: Queer Youth Exchange announcement

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Queer Youth Exchange - Application form

 

 

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity kindly email for application forms:
hoosain.khan@wits.ac.za

or call

+27 11 717 4239 

 

 


2014 July 28: Comfort’s coming of age ceremony

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Where:  Nquthu, KwaZulu Natal.
When:  12th July 2014

Umemulo unjengomshado, usuke uwumakoti ushadiswa nabakini, umhlwehlwe usuke umele i-veil. Ube futhi uyafana ne – 21st yesizulu, ngoba uma umuntu wesifazane emuliswa usuke unikwa ukhiye ukuthi usengakhululeka agane.

Igama lami ngingu-Comfort BZ Gwala, ngiphila impilo yobu Lesbian engizalwe nayo, abazali bami bangigcinele usiko lokungukhulisa ngokwesizulu (umemulo) obungomhlaka 12 July 2014, endaweni yase-Nquthu.
Ngacela Inkanyiso ukuba izongithathela izithombe zomcimbi wami obe yigugu elikhulu kimi. Ngosizo lweNkanyiso nabangaphumelanga ukuba khona, iNkanyiso izobathatha ibabeke ngezithombe ngakho konke okwakwenzeka, nokwaba okokuqala emlandweni ukumula kwe Lesbian.

Ukwenzelwa kwami umemulo kungijabulisile, noma bengisaba ukugqoka isidwaba ngoba abantu abaningi endaweni bebazi ukuthi ngiwumfana, negenge yabafana engiphila nayo, abaningi bathukile, abanye bebuza kumina ukuthi ubani ozomula kini? Ngivele ngithi omunye udadewethu ngisaba ukuthi imina.
Ngendlela ekwakugcwele ngayo?
Bathi babefuna ukubona i-lesbian imula.

 

IMG_0269 (640x427) (2)La izinsizwa zazigiya zingilande emfuleni sesiya esigcawini. 

 

IMG_0264

 

IMG_9992Isibopho esifakwe umama ekhanda, esokuvimba ukuthi umoya ungabi khona.
Netshali alibeke emahlombe.  Umoya nje, just a wind, kuba nomoya omkhulu ongadiliza izindlu. Kuvinjwa wona.

 

IMG_0015La ekushunqa khona intuthu, kusendlini yakwa gogo, umama usishisela impepho mina newele lami, kumi imbuzi yewele kodwa ayivelanga. Ubika umsebenzi emsamu.

 

IMG_0224Lesi ngiguqile umfwethu ubambe umhlwehlwe awukhipha emanzini, uzongigqokisa wona. Lesi engihleli khona phansi, ngase ngembeswa, abakomalume nabakamkhwenyana kadade wethu omncane.

 

IMG_0206Isithombe esinokhamba , njengoba ngangihleli emfuleni, nabadala abangasekho basuke bekhona, ukhamba kusuke kuwolwabo, kodwa baphuzelwa imina kancane, ngihabule.

 

IMG_0210

 

IMG_0200

 

IMG_0134

 

IMG_0204… uma umuliswa ubizwa ngomakoti, umalume wakho olande kuyena umkhonto ubizwa ngomkhwenyana.

 

IMG_0245Ukwenzelwa kwami umemulo kungijabulisile, noma bengisaba ukugqoka isidwaba ngoba abantu abaningi endaweni bebazi ukuthi ngiwumfana, negenge yabafana engiphila nayo, abaningi bathukile, abanye bebuza kumina ukuthi ubani ozomula kini? Ngivele ngithi omunye udadewethu ngisaba ukuthi imina. Ngendlela ekwakugcwele ngayo? Bathi babefuna ukubona i Lesbian imula.

 

IMG_0458

 

IMG_0199Lo owedansane e blue, umfowethu olama ongilamayo, uwu number 3, lo owe jersey eli black & whites, umzala wami uyena omele umalume ngoba akasekho, u-Bheki Mthembu, umfowethu uKwazi Gwala, abahleli phansi omzala bonke bazalwa omalume. 

 

IMG_0205

 

IMG_0203

 

IMG_0244Isidwaba siyisembatho sakwazulu, imvunulo yakwa Zulu,esho ukuba umakoti.
Umhlwehlwe njengoba uhlangene uthule usho ukuthi ngiseyi virgin kodwa kade ngaqala ukuqonywa.
 

IMG_0126Inkomo nenkonyane, kwakuzidlela nje, akuhlangene nomemulo.

 

IMG_0115

 

IMG_0448Imali ekhanda usuka uphiwa , iyaye ikhokhe izikweletu ezenziwe ngomsebenzi.

Engikwenzelwe umama, ngiyakusaba, angazi ngiyomjabulisa ngani?
Ngifisa sengathi bonke omama abazele ama Lesbians bengawakhombisa uthando bawamukele njengabantwana babo.
Ne Nduna ephethe ingimangazile ukuthi isukume ize emcimbini womuntu ofana nami, ikhombise ukungacwasi ngokobulili, yaze yasho kwabayi intervier yathi umuntu uphila impilo ayithandayo.

Lokho kwangijabulisa…

IMG_0429

 

IMG_0508

 

IMG_0467

 

IMG_0132

 

IMG_0466Lapha ngikhashwe izintombi ezihlolwayo zasendaweni, ezihamba umhlanga, ezingakaze zihlangane nomuntu wesilisa.

 

IMG_0506Kulesithombe ngihlezi nomama wami.

... eyokuzibona ngigqoke u bra ingithusile, bengiqala, ngingakwazi nokuwugqoka, umama wayengithengele oveza i cleavage, ngawunqaba. Usisi wami wangithengela
o right, kona iyona part eyabanzima ukudlula ukufaka isidwaba.

Umphakathi waseNquthu, obaba omama nabafana bakhona, bayaphila, bengicabanga ukuthi bazongixwaya emva kokungibona ukuthi ngiyintombazane, kodwa bavele baqhubeka ngendlela abebengithatha ngayo, nobaba bendawo basangibiza ngo ndodana.

Uma uphila impilo yobuqenge ezindaweni zasemakhaya, akunankinga njengasemalokishini, ngoba kunemithetho eqinile evikela wonke umuntu, njengokudlwengulwa kwama Lesbian, akwenzeki, nokuhlukunyezwa kwawo,

Inkinga engiba nayo mina emakhaya, uma kuhlatshiwe kuba nzima ukuthi ngizohlala nobani? Angingeni esibayeni ukuyodla inhloko namadoda, amantombazane ayangixwaya uma ngidla esithebeni sawo. Ngigcina ngihlaliswa ngedwa. Kube buhlungu kimi.

 

Photos by Lindeka Qampi commissioned by Zanele Muholi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2014 July 26: What I want as a black lesbian youth

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My name is Lebogang Mashifane, I’m 25 years old and I live with my mother in Kwa-Thema, east of Gauteng, South Africa.
I have recently relocated from Cape Town, South Africa.
I hold a Diploma in Multimedia Technology from CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology). I currently freelance as a videographer and volunteer for Inkanyiso as a researcher and writer.

 
The transition of living in the township of Kwa-Thema for 12 years, to living in the suburbs of Cape Town for 12 years and back to the township of Kwa – Thema again has been quite an experience. I realise how the youth’s lives seem meaningless in the township. A girl still to be a teenager already has a dented future. The extreme indulgence of sex, drugs and alcohol has resulted in teenage pregnancy, poverty, crime, ignorance and unrealised dreams.
The youth of 1976 in South Africa fought very hard, not only for themselves, but also for the generations to come. I am fortunate and forever appreciative of their blood, sweat and tears that today I can have an education in English. Institutionalised racial segregation in South Africa was officialised in the 60’s right through to the early 90’s. I embrace the freedoms that we now possess as a rainbow nation. It is almost 4 decades since the student uprising in Soweto, 38 years to be exact.

 
The needs and wants of the youth of that era are slightly different from those of this era, such as electricity and housing, which is still a problem today. Nowadays we also want internet access as most of the youth access internet from their cell phones. The youth of 1976 wanted freedom from the oppressors, who were the invading Europeans. They also wanted their land back from the oppressors’ forceful ownership and wanted to not be taught in the language of the oppressor. Amongst those wants there were many other wants but the above mentioned were the main focal points.

 
I believe in liberation and equal rights for all. I want to have a shelter that would house people of all ages that are abused and homeless. I believe that this action will decrease some of the issues that we are faced with in the universe. The shelter would also serve as a job opportunity and/ or an educational opportunity. People will be able to learn as well as find employment, as the shelter would have a nursery for those with green fingers. The produce will be served as food for the shelter and excess sold at fruit and vegetable stores. There would also be opportunities of different crafts such as bead work, sculpturing, painting, etc. Art will be explored in all its forms, benefiting the people and maintaining the shelter.

 
I would also like to have my own media company which will also have the shelter residents as workers. The shelter residents will choose according to their interests as to which field they would like to explore. A clinic will also be part of the shelter as all the people that come to the shelter for assistance will most likely need counselling and medical attention for their health. As residents get better and heal from their various ailments, they would become peer workers, getting tarining – according to their interests – to run the clinic along with all other fields. There will also be a school which would teach people of all ages that need a basic education. Those who can qualify to apply for external educations such as college or university can do so and be assisted in getting bursaries from various companies.

 
Security is vital to every property therefore the shelter would also have a security company. It would also be a service offered to companies that require security. The shelter residents that would work in this field would undergo a criminal check as this is very crucial for this field. The same would apply for all other positions.
At the moment I am trying to research about the township that I live in as an adult with ideas, and no longer a child. I want to start an art movement that will also be a space for young people to find solace and refuge. This will be a space where poetry recitation, painting, drawing, singing, dancing, acting etc, will take place. We will also allow the members of this art movement to share their pain and frustrations. Some of the youth could be succumbing to drugs because they have no support at home and no one to talk to about their issues. Some end up as sex slaves or living with someone they are not in love with, because they feel the need to be loved.

 
My mother, as a parent to a gay daughter and her friend who is a mother to a gay son want to start a support group for parents who have gay children. I’m also helping my mother with preparations for this movement. I value this movement and I want to see it succeed. This is such a great idea to all family members including the entire community and fighting homophobia which is still a massive problem in South Africa.

 
I want to see myself as part of a great influence to change this world for the better. I want to see myself living in a world where no one will have to be out in the streets on cold and rainy nights. A world where no one has to be hungry, lonely, illiterate or with shattered dreams. Right now I am stuck with big ideas and no resources to make them happen. It kills me every day to see people suffer and others gloat about to the very same suffering people.

 
I believe in helping people that also try to help themselves. Other people just want to be spoon-fed, they need to get a wake up call. It is about time we rose together as a collective to empower each other for a better life now and forever.

 

Previous by Lebo Mashifane

2014 June 17: Uprising with EPOC and the black LGBTI community in Ekurhuleni

and

2014 May 26: EPOC (out)reaching effort


2014 Aug. 9: A video of 1st Mpumalanga Pride

2014 Aug.9: My name is Woman

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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

 

 


2014 Aug. 22: Photos from Disebo Gift Makau’s Memorial Service


2014 Aug. 23: Relatives and friends shed the tears at Gift’s funeral and some fainted

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Text by Lerato Dumse
Photos by Lindeka Qampi

When the casket carrying the body of Disebo Gift Makau (23), was lowered six feet underground at a Ventersdorp cemetery, in the North West, on August 23.

Gift Disebo Makau 1_1283

queers in action_1143

Queer mourners franked the coffin of Disebo during the funeral service…          and burst into song

Family and friends who gathered in Tshing township to bid her goodbye, could not contain their emotions.
While some wailed uncontrollably, others shed their tears in silence, with pain, sorrow and sadness written on their faces.

Gift’s body was discovered in the middle of Women’s month, on August 15 by her neighbor in the yard where she was killed.

Speaking to mourners at the funeral, a relative Assah Molapo explained how he arrived on the scene to find Gift’s half naked and lifeless body, with a few other people gathered.

He narrated how the wire used while strangling Gift had punctured her skin and was still lodged inside her neck.
Adding that about 20cm of hose pipe was inserted in her mouth, tied with a shoe lace and left with water running inside her body.

A manhunt began leading to the suspect’s arrest days later.
Molapo said it was tracing Gift’s last steps that helped them to narrow down the suspect list.

Molapo revealed when the suspect’s mother realised her son was a suspect, she launched an investigation of her own in her house.

Leading to the discovery of a cell phone she didn’t recognize, which she handed over, and it was identified as belonging to Gift.
While the letter he (suspect) sent, after writing it to his mom while in jail, is expected to also be used in prosecuting him.

  marchers on way to the cemetery_1256
Now the man whom Gift considered to be a close friend, having grown up playing together in the same community is facing a rape and murder charge.

While Gift was due to have collected her diploma certificate in Business Management on the day her body was discovered.

What is also disheartening for Molapo when describing the scene, is the state of the grass and flowers which he said is an indication of the physical struggle that went on for a long time that fateful evening.

He said people’s failure to act by going to see what was happening or call the police when they heard Gift’s screams. He is inconsolable with the claim that people who were 5 meters away heard nothing, while those 70 meters away heard her cries.

Ward councilor, Mapule Mataboge was at the forefront in the uproar and condemnation for Gift’s murder. She said she has always had a close relationship with LGBTI people in her community who come to her for assistance when facing family problems and even relationship problems.

She remembered Gift as a child, always smiling and polite, even when she was being reprimanded.
Mataboge appealed to parents of LGBTI children to change their stereotypes, discrimination and calling their own children names.

Freddy Dunjane SAFA chairperson for the competition committee in Ventersdorp said Gift was the first female referee in Ventersdorp.

Gift played defense for her team Real Mighty Ladies, and was affectionately known as Owen by her teammates.

While Thabang Mangane president of the SRC at Vuselela FET said they would be marching to court to show support for Gift and ensure the suspect doesn’t get bail.
“Gays and lesbians are from our families, we must eat and laugh with them, not murder them,” added Mangane.

Related links

2014 Aug. 22: Photos from Disebo Gift Makau’s memorial service

and

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


2014 Aug. 14: HEAIDS Women’s Health – ZAZI Launch

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Text by Christie van Zyl
Photos by Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi

An inspiring message of Social co-hesion and responsibility was set at the launch of the ZAZI – Know your strength campaign. The event took place at the University of Johannesburg on the 14th of August 2014. It was attended by approximately 500 people.. There was a morning and afternoon program, where some parts of the event involved youth dialogue spearheaded by a panel of six members of civil society, government and students.

minister henrietta_9094   Deputy Minister of Social Development,Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu who spearheaded the Zazi launch…

community2_9029

Zazi is intended for the creation of a conducive environment for the honing of young women’s inner strength, to be able to stand up against a term coined as the 4 M’s – Macho Mobile Men with Money; as well any form of abuse intended for them due to circumstantial adversities.

The most important emphasis was placed on curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS across the plain, including the safety of young boys & men who are target to older women. During the afternoon event several speeches took place emphasising the importance of tackling poverty in South Africa. This was spoken to be the greatest influence on young people giving in to ‘sugar daddies and spicy mommies’. Amongst attendees that gave speeches, was present Dr Ramneek Ahluwali, Director of HEAIDS (Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS), as the voice of the students was present Ms Nikiwe Mboweni, president of the Student Representative Council.

Steve & Henrietta_9073 The Minister sharing a joke with Steve Letsike…
_____________________

Further attendance included Professor Ihron Lester Rensburg – Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Mr Nick Balkrishen – South African College of Principals Organization(SACPO), Steve Letsike – Deputy Chairperson of the South National AIDS Council (SANAC); as well as a Ms Hannalee as representative of the Honourable Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana. Speeches were centred around the ‘toxic mix in our midst of poverty and patriarchy as the driver of extra-ordinary challenges causing this extra-ordinary outbreak of disease’ – Professor Rensburg.

Several performances also took place by the likes of Lebo Mashile who recited poetry speaking about the responsibility of society shaping young boys into responsible men; as well the gracefulness if woman and her need for evolution to self love.‘Breath in protection, exhale love’ are the words she ended her performance with.

Lebo Mashile2_9161 Our beloved poet and writer Lebo Mashile who recited her poetics… ___________________________

The Zazi video was also aired, which is a song that is performed by South African artist Zonke where the song speaks about knowing yourself in terms of your sexual health; the tying of the ribbon symbolizing bringing a helping hand to social ills & taking responsibility to lead with all of our strength and power. The Zazi video boasts green ribbons which are said to be symbolic of ‘new beginnings and protection'; this was established in a nation wide forum of workshops where young women were approached about the colour they would like to represent the Zazi campaign. The video was wrapped up by young poet, Nova Masango who spoke words of encouragement to young women to know their worth.

Zazi delegates_9094

The last of the performances came from the UJ Soweto campus Arts & Culture drama group which outlined scenarios of how young woman get raped by their school teachers for marks and how AIDS spreads through vulnerable youngsters at tertiary level who are engaging in irresponsible as well as inter-generational relationships. Honourable Deputy minister of Department of Social Development Ms Henrietta Ipeleng Bogopane- Zulu, gave a touching speech on ten life lessons of trying to be a perfect human in the light of striving to be our best. She closed off the speeches with a beautiful ceremony, gathering young men and woman to tie ribbons to each others’ wrists to make a commitment to bettering the future of young people through giving them platforms to know themselves and their inner strength to avoid sexual health problems, as well as rapes and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Deputy Minister Zulu also gave thanks to JHHESA team – John Hopkins Health and Education South Africa for the sustainability of the Zazi campaign.

Khanyisa Dutywa of the SANAC Women’s Sector took the podium in closing and started her thank you’s with a powerful ‘WOMANDLA’, saying ‘my sister’s keeper , tshela mina ngale z’khiphani’ (tell me what’s happening on the other side). She went on to question where the women’s sector is on campus and then stated that we should unite and claim the youth of 1976 to fight gender inequality within the context of this launch happening in Soweto. It was a beautiful and heartfelt launch. All the speakers and Minister Zulu said all the right things that we young people need to hear.

I cannot help but wonder though when all this information would get to young people in the rural and township areas. How do we go about distributing this information to the rural areas of South Africa. It is all nice and well to have attendees of a high caliber and students of UJ attending the launch, but what of the young women in rural and township schools that are also experiencing the same things and are about to enter university; or even the real world of work because of circumstance. Many a young woman gets targeted by their boss so that they keep their jobs seeing as they are coming right out of matric. Can we have a conversation about having this Zazi launch in a rural area in a native language that the very people that need it will understand. Speakers spoke of the first generation graduates that suffer mostly from these inter- generational relationships that end up being cases if abuse because of poverty. They are aware that these young people are coming from the rural parts of South Africa, so what is their plan if action to reach those areas.

precautions_9012

There is a need for this intervention of which I never heard being addressed at the launch of the Zazi – Know Yourself campaign.

Previous by Christie 2014 July 4: Craddock Chronicles


2014 Sept. 22: The period pains of documenting hate crimes

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Text by Lerato Dumse

 
I sat down for a reflection session with photographers Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi a few days after they documented Gift Makau’s funeral.

Muholi requested for the interview as a way of unloading and shedding the pain, explaining that its hectic documenting hate crimes, and they don’t even have counseling.

“When people see you holding the camera, they don’t realise the amount of stress we carry, adds the visual activist.”

Some of the reasons that bring pressure on these photographers is visiting the crime scene, talking to family members who have just lost a loved one.

Lindeka shares that for her, documenting hate crime is traumatic because it reminds her of her own ordeal as a victim of crime.

She is motivated to document it, because it gives her a chance to educate the community.

Lindeka says visiting families like Disebo’s is hard on her as a mother, especially since Disebo was a last born that makes her think of her last born, and adds that its not easy seeing the sadness in their eyes.

“Rape is increasing in our country, and the police would rather harass a hawker selling on the side of the road, adds Lindeka”.

Lindeka further elaborates that as documenters they capture and visualize everything, and working with the family for four days means a bond is formed.

Muholi says when she first heard about Disebo’s killing it was still sketchy and a lot of hearsay.

“The first thing on my mind was not another hate crime, not another queer born free, not on women’s month,” and adds that she went to bed that night with a heavy heart and hoping it was wrong information.

Staying five minutes away from Constitutional Hill, (which is where this interview was conducted) also brought more questions to Muholi, thinking about the new LGBTI task team meeting that was held at the end of April 2014 where the issue of hate crime was discussed mainly at the venue with various stakeholders (activists) and some activists from different provinces.

However her fears were confirmed the next day when she was given the full details and asked to intervene.

“The first questions that come to mind is resources, finances to go there.”

Two days later, Muholi and Lindeka were on their way to Ventersdorp from Johannesburg, and met the family and counselor of Tshing township whom Muholi described as practical, kind and caring.

Muholi said the counselor reminded her that there are women who care about other women.

However, when they first entered the scene where Disebo lost her life, Muholi  immediately went on her periods which was unexpected and early.

Lindeka reveals that one of her goals now is to go back and document Disebo’s background, to be able to tell her life story.

She says while in the area she heard about gangster groups that are active in Tshing township, which contributes to the crime in the area.

While Muholi says as a person who works with lesbian youth, such murders hurt her because she views the victims as “one of us”.

She adds that she cares as an activist, as a human being and seeing the pain in the family that has just lost someone takes her back to other hate crime cases she has documented.

“I thought about how victims like Gift and Dudu Zozo die in their neighborhood, come from poor communities, are in their 20s and hard workers ambitious to become breadwinners in their families.

Another thing that disturbs Muholi were the objects used: a toilet brush inserted inside Dudu’s private parts and the water hose in Gift’s mouth, the half naked body and dying before they can even enjoy the freedom of democracy, and concludes by saying she doesn’t want to document another hate crime.

 

Gift Disebo Makau 1_1283Before the coffin of Disebo Gift Makau was lowered at the cemetery in Ventersdorp on the 23rd Sept. 2014

 

2014 Aug 24 odidiva1_1626 Odidiva, Cape Town based artist and activist who attended the funeral of Disebo in Ventersdorp last month.

Photos by Lindeka Qampi & Zanele Muholi

 

More reflection sessions to be published in the next few months…

 

 

Related links

 

2014 Aug. 22: Photos from Disebo Gift Makau’s Memorial Service

 

and

 

2014 Aug. 23: Relatives and friends shed the tears at Gift’s funeral and some fainted

 

 

 

 

 


2014 Oct. 7: Robbed while shooting

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by Lerato Dumse

A day meant to be filled with photography adventure which is historical educational turned bad, when three photographers were robbed of their camera, on  the 10th July 2014 in Soweto.

Lindeka Qampi (45) facilitator, Thando Methane (17) and Nhlanhla Maluleka (17), learners participating in the Siyafundisana Photo XP training at Aurora Girls High School.

The trio traveled to Joe Slovo mine with the aim of taking photographs for one of their projects titled My Soweto, which is looking at the historical background of their community.

However Lindeka said it was not long after they had arrived at Slovo, they were confronted by a group of men who took the camera that was shared by the group of 13 teenagers.

 

a man standing outside merafe hostel by thando methane_1063Block 7, Morafe Hostel 

scene from top by Thando Methane_1073The street vendors’ place near Morafe Station, Soweto

A bridge from Merafe hostel by Thando Methane_1083

Morafe bridge which divides Mapetla and Tladi townships of Soweto.                                                                          © Photos by Thando Methane (2014)

“We felt safe in that area because we were next to a taxi stop and residential area, and it was around 1pm,” added the facilitator.

All the women could do after the crime was to scream, but they said their screams fell on deaf ears as everybody just looked on and continued with their business.

Lindeka continues to say their efforts of tracing the men immediately after the incident, were further compromised by residents who were alerting the men that the police were driving around looking for them.

Thando who is in Grade 12 had the Canon 600D camera with 64Gb card around her neck when it was snatched by the thugs.

The aspiring journalist said after one of the men asked for the camera, he lunged as if to attack and when she ducked he pulled the camera.

Nhlanhla helped her best friend to duck the thief’s flying fists and admits to have been left in a state of shock unsure if she would be able to ever feel comfortable to shoot in public again.

She described the attackers faces as scary, but said she won’t let this incident pull her away from her long time dream of being a professional photographer.

Siyafundisana 2014 Photo XP Training began in February, and is one of the projects founded by photographer Zanele Muholi working tirelessly on this initiative with Linda Mankazana (educator at Aurora Girls High), Lindeka Qampi (photography trainer) and Valerie Thomas who drives it from France.

Young girls are taught how to use camera and become photographers while they are still in school.

The group currently consists of 13 girls, but the collaborators’ vision is to see photography introduced as part of the curriculum, adding that many South Africans still can’t access Universities where photography is offered.

Four of the young female learners (Nhlanhla Maluleka, Kamo Petlele, Mthabiseni Mbhele and Ntombi Shabalala) recently returned from 2014 Cape Town Month of Photography where they presented their work to a group of professional photographers and art lovers.

 

 

 

Related links

 

 

2014 Oct. 2: Long trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg

and

 

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/

 

and

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/
and

 

 

Related links

 

 

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

 

 

 

 


2014 Oct. 8: Beautiful faces and kisses from Soweto Pride 2014

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friendships4_6588

 

Thando Methane & Swag friend_6797

 

 

thandiswa look alike_6503

 

 

kisses & faces_6564

 

 

brothers_6559

 

Busi Molaudzi 2_6553

 

 

dear friends_6550

 

 

bra_6556

 

 

Deli Mavuso & friend_6543

 

 

Londeka & Cia_6581

 

 

Thuli_6570

 

 

Lebo Tebogo_6576

 

 

 

Anza Khaba & friend_6593

 

 

Zamalek & friend2_6585

 

 

friendships1_6590

 

 

Friends gazing_6595

 

 

Anza & Dan_6592

 

 

Liziwe & friends_6607

 

 

Life is_6599
Tebogo SlyPod_6615

 

 

Tebogo Sly & friend_6612

 

SlyPod da fly_6625

 


SlyPod Dj Tebogo_6630

 

 

dykes fly_6629

 

 

Tebogo Mokobane & SlyPod_6627

 

 

SlyPod & DJ Puggy_6631

 

 

Likhase & friend 3_6624

 
Londeka & Dikeledi_6647

 

Tebogo Mokobane & lover_6645

 

 

Tebogo Mokobane_6642

 


Tebogo Mokobane_6641

 

 

My lesbian family_6669

 

 


Between friends_6649

 


Thabo love_6655

 

 

 

Sade & Sebe_6660

 

 

Wattville crew_6670

 

 

Mpumi & Nqobile_6666

 

 

Dikeledi & Tia_6662

 

 

between friends_6693

 

 

Aurora learners_6688

 

 

Dee Dlamini_6686

 

Funo Dee & Friend_6683

 

 


kiss love_6676

 

 

Dear Friends_6674

 

 

Lizzy Nabe_6696

 


Dykes_6705

 

 

absa & friend_6699

 


friendly_6718

 

friendly love_6716

 


New York & fashion_6715

 


Carol and friends_6713

 

SlyPod & friends_6711

 


lovely hair_6706

 

 

oh love_6720

 


Pastor Tebogo Moema & Friend_6724

 

EPOC members_6727

 

pride kisses_6732

 


Fortune Masola & friend_6734

 

Lerato Dumse & friend_6736

 


Skipper & Sbu_6739

 

 

akhona friend phumzile cc matshepo_6752

 

 

Dancers _ Beauty_6748

 


gaze1_6746

 

 

Nokuzola & friend_6745

 

 


hunnies_6743

 

 

oh love_6741

 


Educator & friend_6764

 

 

Friends2_6761

 


friends friends_6758

 

 

Rainbow_6757

 

 

Snowy_6753

 


SiyaCharmer & friend_6779

 

 

Maureen & Smanga_6788

 

 

Lolo & Sbongile_6778

 


Love Tumi1_6774

 

Love Tumi_6773

 


Papi & love_6767

 


Friendships3_6800

 

 

Thando Methane1_6799

 

 

Nomvula Mnisi & Thandi Mbatha_6796

 

 

Nomvula _ Mbatha Twins _ Lisa_6794

 

 

Friends_6792

 

 

in bw_6789

 

 

Faces of Pride_6785

 

 

Friendships1_6802

 

 

Virginia Magwaza & Palesa Morare_6807

 

 

friends two_6810

 

 

Nox & friend_6813

 

 

bois_6809

 

 

friends & lovers_6821

 

Maphike & friend 2_6817

 

 

Maphike & friend_6819

 

 

Leptie & friend_6835

 

handsomes_6824

 

 

friends _ style_6834

 

 

Akhona & friend_6829

 

 

lovely faces_6830

 

DJ Puggy & friend_6827

 

 

Soweto Pride kisses_6531

 


Eva Mofokeng_6832

 


friends _ hugging_6838

 

 

friends with style_6840

 

 

friends _ jean_6841

 

Lulama_6847

 

 

Skeem Bathini & Friend_6850

 

 

 

Friends with SWAG_6851

 

 


Lindeka Lulama & Thando K_6848

 

 

Jabu WATTVILLE_6861

 

 

friends_6853

 

Lindi Muholi & friend_6860

 

Bathini & friend_6878

 

Cleo_6876

 

 

Bathini Mbali & friends_6875

 

 

Norah & friend_6885

 

 

Tshidi Legobye & Maaki Pooe_6873

 

 

Power & Jabu WATTVILLE_6864

 

MuholiS & friend_6884

 

 

Bongiwe Friend & Cleo BusiMdaki_6883

 

 

Boni Shabalala & friend_6880

 

Bathini & friend2_6877

 

 

Mathabo Londi Dike & Friends_6528

 

 

Snoopy & friend_6524

 

 

Phumla & CC_6526

 

 

TP & friends_6517

 

 

Lesiba Sicka Eva_6523

 

Likhase_6507

 

 

Zakhe & friends_6510

 

 

Zakhe & Friends_6511

 

 

Likhase & friend_6514

 

Pinky & friends_6504

 

 

bois_6501

 

 

charmain & friend_6499

 

 

sisters_6496

 

 

Mathabo & Sipho_6493

 

 

brothers_6494

 

 

in red_6486

 

 

dancers_6491

 

 

beauties1_6485

handsome_6480

© Photos by Zanele Muholi (2014)


2014 Oct. 16: The lawyer in the classroom

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Report by Lerato Dumse & Zanele Muholi
Photos by Thobe Gumede

 

Mpho Nefuri wt Young Female Photographers @ Aurora Girls High School SOWETO_0417

 

 

Mpho Nefuri wt YFP @ AGHS_0412

Our guest speaker of the day, Mpho Nefuri (attorney) in a black suit, front row shared so much expertise with our young photographers at Aurora on Thurs. 16 Oct. 2014.         © Photos by Thobe Gumede (2014)

 

Where:  Aurora Girls High School, SOWETO
What:  2014 PhotoXP – Guest speaking

Mpho Nefuri was our guest speaker of the day, she addressed the young female photographers on how Media and Law works. She explained to the learners the do’s and don’ts when approaching visual subject matters. The importance of taking precautions, avoiding risks and requesting for consent before photographing.

After handing in an urgent application at the Pretoria High Court on October 16, attorney Mpho Nefuri dashed to Aurora Girls High School in Soweto.

There, a group of 13 teenage girls who are part of the project waited for Mpho, the latest guest speaker to share knowledge with them.

She started on a light note, thanking and advising of the learners who responded to her greeting in Venda language, to teach her peers.

Adding, “The fact that we are in Soweto doesn’t mean you can’t speak Venda.”
She said that before apologizing for having kept the girls waiting and said, “I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to contribute in an initiative like this, hence I kept begging to say please wait and tell the learners to please wait I’m coming.”

The attorney then explained to the group that one reason for her visit is to share with them what it means to be a photographer in the legal sphere.

Mpho then asked the girls, what makes a photographer? To which Thando Methane responded by saying, “Photographers are people who document different struggles in life, because some people can’t express their views by speaking, but do so by taking photographs.”

Mpho told the photographers to respect the guidelines given on taking photos, be polite and make good judgment.

The learners were also advised to be innovative and authentic in their photography, and to copyright their photos in order to protect their work.
Some learners shared their reflections on Mpho’s visit.

Sindisiwe Ncube: I was glad to learn something new today. We were taught about how the law protects photographers, and the pictures we take.
Mpho also told us about the difference between public and private places. Since I started photographing, I’ve had experiences in some places were I was not allowed to shoot, and I never understood.
Today Mpho explained it clearly. I was surprised to hear that there is a subject called Media Law. As someone who loves media, knowing how the law works with it, is just priceless.

Nomthandazo Sibanyoni: I’ve learnt that photography has to do with public and private places. That in everything I do, I should be aware of people’s property and private life. I should not take private things into public places, because in that way, I will be violating that person’s right, and might end up in court. 
Being a photographer means I should have knowledge about the industry. Having laws in this country is to protect a person’s rights because some companies don’t want their products pictured and their ideas stolen.
Mpho said we should learn being innovative and authoritative. Photographer’s are protected by media law.

Kamo Petlele: Today I enjoyed the meeting, learned I have to know our rights as photographers and the boundaries. I only thought because am a photographer I can shoot anything I want, thanks for the knowledge.

The young minds were thrilled and continued to pose so many questions afterwards of which Mpho responded to with humility. Due to time limit and lateness, the learners had to go home and Mpho promised to conduct a second session with the learners in the near future.

Previous guest speakers includes Phumla Masuku, Nonkululeko Britton-Masekela, Mfundi Mvundla, Gabi Ngcobo, Jamy-Lee Brophy, Megan Heilig, Martha Qumba, Ziyanda Majozi, and Busisiwe Radebe, who shared their expertise with the learners.

The learners attended various field trips in which they documented and learnt from those experiences.

 

Previous links

2014 Oct.:  Long trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg

 

and

 

2014 Oct. 7:  Robbed while shooting

 

and

 

2014 Sept. 30:  “I truly love Cape Town”

 

and

 

2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker

 

and

 

2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography

 

and

 

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

 

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”

 

 

 

 

 


2014 Oct. 22: Paris meets Aurora Young Female Photographers

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by Thobe Gumede

It is Tuesday, 21st Oct. 2014 in the afternoon at Aurora GHS where guest speakers come and share expertise with young photographers.

The interaction started with a traditional icebreaker, a good meal, brought by the visitor for the photography learners at Aurora Girls High School. The learners had been waiting in anticipation to meet the guest speaker of the day, Veronica Noseda, a member of Equipe Les Dégommeuses, Paris, France.

 

The AGHS PhotoXP learners after guest speaking session. © Lerato Dumse (2014)

The AGHS PhotoXP learners after guest speaking session.
© Lerato Dumse (2014)

 

Introductions were in order and the learners were happy to hear that Veronica was impressed with their work. She liked the fact that the learners have their personal perspectives and own realities’ which is priceless and is a great start to being good photographers, writers or filmmakers.

They were both excited and shy to introduce themselves until the journalist, soccer player and activist introduced herself to the students, and later emphasized that, that’s how the learners should also introduce themselves wherever they are, clear, loud and proud.

Veronica shared with them that she spent the past 15 years living in France and it is during these years that she met Zanele Muholi, a South African activist and a photographer who initiated the meeting, and worked with her on a number of projects including the documentary which was screened minutes later.

The documentary titled “Foot for Love” by Equipe Les Dégommeuses was screened at Aurora Girls High School for the 2014 PhotoXP learners was produced during the 2012 Paris Pride week in France.
It tells the story of trip that Thokozani Football Club (TFC) took and how they spent their time in Paris.
The team is named after Thokozani Qwabe, a young lesbian victim of hate crime who was murdered in 2007.
The documentary played on the small screen laptop and the learners gathered closely. Veronica translated when people in the documentary spoke in French to ensure that the viewers understood what was going on.

Discussions followed after the screening, and then there were questions and answers.
Q1. How did the French audience react when they saw black South African lesbians parading on their streets?

VN Answer: The French were both welcoming and curious and some of them joined in after they find out what the parade was about.

Q2. Did you get support from the community?

Answer: Yes, the community showed great support and they were extremely happy to march and sing with the Thokozani Football Team.

Q3. What challenges did you face when you edited the documentary?

VN Answer: There weren’t that many challenges other than technical problems of which were overcome easily since it was a collective project, the documentary cost nothing and some of the people volunteered with their skills and some provided their video footage.
Sometimes we would post on facebook to ask for assistance with fixing technical challenges that were beyond us.

Q4. What is your organization doing for the Thokozani Football Club?

VN: Our organization worked with Thokozani Football Club to show solidarity and visibility of black South African lesbians at the height of hate crimes in South Africa. This was to show the realities of what is currently going on in SA which is not seen on mainstream television in France.

Q#5. How different or similar is the lesbian scene in France compared to the South African lesbians?

VN: We don’t know about hate crimes but some of us are also discriminated against and face a lot of homophobia as well.

Veronica went on to explain that the visual part of the documentary was to start conversations about human rights issues such as women’s rights to equality, homosexuality and so forth.

She also stressed to the learners that everything is interesting, explaining to them how important it is to observe things that happen around them, and encouraging them to take more photos and videos.
A follow up documentary titled Team Spirit was produced and directed by Thembela ‘Terra’ Dick which focuses on the lives of some TFC soccer players back in Umlazi township, Durban.
It was premiered at IFAS, Johannesburg during the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).

 

 

Related articles

 

 

2014 Oct. 16: The lawyer in the classroom

 

 

and

 

Previous links

 

2014 Oct.:  Long trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg

 

and

 

2014 Oct. 7:  Robbed while shooting

 

and

 

2014 Sept. 30:  “I truly love Cape Town”

 

and

 

2014 Aug. 30: Insightful analysis from the guest speaker

 

and

 

2014 Aug. 30: Young aspiring photographers experimenting lithography

 

and

 

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

 

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”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2014 Dec. 13: Faces and Phases invokes memories

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Book Review
by Kopano Sibeko

“I used to be lesbian, but now my final words are on a tombstone, because he showed me the power of a man. I could never love that, so I killed myself because I knew I could never stand corrected”.

 

Andiswa Dlamini  (2013) featuring in Faces series...

Andiswa Dlamini (2014) featuring in Faces series…

 

As I read that piece by Andiswa Dlamini, I imagined all the faces uttering those phases of their lives. I realized how oblivious we would be to the pain of each individual because we would not know how they look like.  We would not know of their existence. And lastly we would not know their realities. That poem tells a tale of the ever so aging story of a black lesbian, yet in all its growth, it still remains the same. Faces and Phases has since 2006, demonstrated these realities.

Zanele Muholi’s Faces and Phases 2006-14 embodies so much benevolence, it captures the ironic personification of freedom, as she’s been assumed to exist in South Africa.
The book tells us short stories of black lesbians and Trans-men across the globe, exemplifying that as far apart as their worlds may seem, there’s consistency in the existence of sexual orientation and gender expression.

Faces and Phases 2006-14 shares with us the beauty and talents of lesbian women and trans(wo)men coupled with the political injustices that the world has fed us. Muholi’s work is not only historic, but very revolutionary in recording images that will prove our existence, when there’s a new world order.

Muholi’s work depicts and projects the struggles that we as homosexual women and trans individuals  have faced (still face) and in the same breath shows the milestones we have overcome and all our achievements amidst all the pain. Muholi’s book shows that breaking the chains of homophobia and transphobia, is not an event, it’s a process.

In this book, Muholi demonstrates different kinds of activism, from visual, poetical to artistic. This has allowed participants to be themselves and echo the voices within themselves that the world has always silenced.

On a light note, I flipped through the book and laughed on all the memories I’ve made with some of the faces in this book (ex’s and friends). Personally, this book will be treated as an album to show my children and their children some of the people that have channelled my growth.

“They might swear at us as much as they want to, beat us up, rape us and murder us, but they won’t get our souls. Our inner beauty will remain and it will be expressed in every special way”. In the end it is in these words by Pearl Mbali Zulu where you see the artistry in volumes of what Muholi has conceived.

 

 

Previous Faces and Phases (2006-2014) book reviews

 

 

2014 Dec. 1: “The portraits are no longer just pictures”

 

 

and

 

 

2014 Nov. 25: Faces and Phases – embodying the freedom of being

 

 

and

 

 

2014 Nov. 24: Our Photographs have been taken

 

 

and

 

 

2014 Nov. 20: Book Review – Faces and Phases (2006 – 2014)

 

 


2015 Jan. 16: Non/Believers of New Year’s resolutions

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Interviews by Lebo ‘Leptie’ Phume

For years now I’ve been jotting down my new years resolutions and not even once have I followed them. I now find it useless for me to waste my time and write them down knowing very well they will never be met. So from now on ill live life the way it presents itself to me.

I have goals that I know I can achieve this year. Firstly, I want to see myself with a second photography certificate come the end of the year, and get a job so that I can be financially stable, able to feed on my fashion hunger. I would like to get myself in a modelling agency. Be the best girlfriend I can be, to my gorgeous partner. To stop waiting for special occasions before I do something special for her. Last but not least be more positive and less negative about life.

2015 Jan 16 Leptie 1_71032015 Jan 16 Leptie2_7104 The portraits of the author, Leptie contemplating… captured in Musgrave, Durban…

_____________

From the thousands of friends I have on Facebook, I asked those I’m close with to share their “resolutions” with me.

I don’t make resolutions, but I make plans. I dream and visualize what I want to achieve each year then work my “behind” off to make sure that I achieve my dreams. Some of the things that are on my to-do list this year are simple and some are exotic, they are all unique in their own way.

Below are some of their responses.

Firstly I will check if I needed loads of “resolutions” last year and how I stood by them. Then work as hard as I possibly can to accomplish the incomplete ones. Instead of waving dreams in the air, I’m making plans that will have significance and add meaning to my life. As clichè as this may sound, regular exercise and maintaining a balanced lifestyle is a need for me this year.
Learning something new and interesting is always fun, a value addition too. Becoming involved in community work, giving back to society is the least I can do, to make the world a better place to live in. Top of my list is getting rid of old habits and sleeping a lot .
Nceba Classen

My resolution is to attract productive people in my life. I’ve wasted too much time with people who don’t want to succeed in life. - Senzo Gwala
My new year’s resolution is to stop defending my honour and speaking to people who do not deserve it. I want to make more time for reading and my photography interest. - Selaelo Mannya

I am not one to make such. I believe in living life how I see fit, without putting pressure on myself. I know my limits and there is no need to give myself unattainable tasks. Do you, without pressure and achieve your goals when the time is right. I just want to put more energy into my ideas and see them come to life this year. – Kabelo Maleka

My New Year resolution is to work my way up to the senior management trainee position, perform my poetry, eat healthier, learn how to play a guitar and ride a bicycle. Also work on getting my poetry published by a publishing house. - Sizakele Phohleli

My resolutions start every day, not for the New Year only. It’s great to strive for something that can better yourself. I want to keep motivating people around me and one of the things I would like to improve is to be a better listener. The most important one is climbing the corporate ladder and leaving my mark, so that when I quiet, my silence will be felt. Lose weight, travel more than before and graduate and get my 3rd qualification. - Precious Skosana

I sometimes find it quiet cliché that when a new year begins we all make resolutions. By year-end we have not done half of the things we said we would. 2014 I’ve been very unreliable at times, I sometimes failed to be the perfect daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend, and I say that with no pride. 2015 comes with a limited amount of “sorry” and whole lot of smart work and better time management. I’ve made it a mission to attend more fashion shows, read more blogs and of course productively promote my brand. - Jenna Louw

Mine is to be happy, be with people that love and appreciate me.
Who are in my life because it feels right not because they are looking at gaining something or do something for me because I will have to do in return. And of course most of my plans to go as planned.
– Yaya Mavundla

It is more of short-term goals for me. Like extending my grandmother’s house, lose weight and get back to football. Most of all to empower young people the best way I can.
Moyokazi Vooi

My resolution is to park my car in the garage every night and not at the open parking. I know it sounds crazy but it is like that. I get hurt when it rains and its just there or when its sunny it gets burned.
I told myself that this year, it will never spend a night in the open parking.

- Sana Mollo

I need to spend less on sneakers, drink less beer, keep fit and eat more home cooked meals than take-aways. Most of all, focus on my B-tech in electrical studies more than anything else.
– Asanele Ngalo

Having that relationship with God is the main, I want to improve my mental well-being. Enjoy life and hopefully stay motivated, I want to manage my finances because they get out of hand at times. I want to play football again and also need cooking lessons. - Wendy Nkotwana

 

 

Previous by Leptie

 

2014 Dec. 24: If things were going my

 

 

 


2016 Jan. 26: My Educational visit to Jozi Maboneng – LGBTI

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by Wendy Khumalo

Day 1

On arrival at Zanele Muholi’s home we already had appointments scheduled for the day. The first was with an upmarket accounting firm in Sandton; this was truly going to be an educational day. I was thankful to be part of this informative business session, as I’m also starting a business  venture. We literally spent 30 minutes in Sandton and we had to run Zanele’s errands then head back to Parktown, have lunch and be on the road to Benoni in Wattville for an interview and photo shoot Lebo Lebona for the Brave Beauties series/project.

 

2016 Jan. 25 Lebo Lebona_0432 sm

 

American Embassy _ Home of the diplomat

 

Lebo welcomed Zanele, Lerato Dumse and myself, and was poised and elegant. Beautiful warm smile, couldn’t stop looking at her, she took me back to my crush Senny, a brave beauty from Durban. Lebo then introduced us to her mother who was in the house, we were going to conduct the photo shoot/interview outside as lighting was perfect. I was fascinated and intrigued by how professional and easy Zanele was. She was in her element, she directed Lebo as she was about to shoot her portraits. Lebo was in her element, Zanele didn’t say much she just shot photo after photo and Lerato taking different behind the scene angles of the two. It was incredible they were in sync. I was in awe, joined them for a few photos to post, so I could share my incredible experience. As Zanele was wrapping up it started to rain, this meant the interview would have to be postponed due to the bad sound quality. I was sad that I was not going to witness the interview process but I was thankful that I got to witness the Legend in action. The rain became worse and that was our queue to go.

Day 2

Couldn’t sleep much, excited that I’d be going to view Zanele’s legendary work Somnyama Ngomnyama. I was the first to bath; my excitement could not be contained. We left the apartment after 9:30am, Uber was already waiting outside for us. As we were on our way to Stevenson Gallery in Braamfontein, I couldn’t be prouder to be in the same vehicle as our Zanele Muholi who hails from the same township I was born. As we walked inside Stevenson I was greeted by Somnyama Ngonyama, covering the entrance of the gallery. Incredible, I thought to myself smiling, in appreciation of umkhaya wami. Zanele greeted the staff & colleagues at the gallery. At the moment all I cared for was her work than introductions. I was in awe, walking through the gallery was liberating to see our own artist exhibiting such provocative work. I was alive with possibilities and inspired to do more push boundaries.

2016 Jan. 26 Wendy Khumalo 0481 sm proof

 

I was ready to take my rightful place by locking arms with Zanele on Faces and Phases, I’ve always been a fan of her work now I’d be participating in he most significant year a decade of Faces and Phases & 22 years of democracy. Being shot in the gallery was amazing, couldn’t have asked for a better location. Time was not on our side would have loved to spend more time at the gallery but we had another meeting/ lunch discussion in Pretoria at the US Embassy – Media’s Role in Mainstreaming LGBTI Rights in honor of United States Special Envoy for LGBTI Rights. Randy Berry. In my wildest dreams never did I ever think I’d sit with humans of such stature and discuss issues of the LGBTI community at the US Embassy nogal. Dignitaries have incredible respect for Muholi. They speak so highly of her with respect and admiration. I was thankful she invited me to this meeting. What an incredible experience and looking forward to many more. How can I forget, Zanele introduced me to the most vibrant human Thami Kotlolo who is the founder of the Feather Awards.

 

2016 Jan. 26 With Thobe Muholi Thami & Wendy

Catherine Hill-Herndon welcomed all the guests and Chad Wessen briefed the guests on the Lunch discussion proceedings. The discussion was robust and lunch was different, a three-course meal was served not your average lunch discussion. This is the Major League, Zanele suggested the discussion should be continued in a conference, with other important people present, Chad agreed.

We had another appointment we were rushing to back in Braamfontein with the Swedish Minister of Art but we had to make a quick stop to fetch Dumse. We then proceeded to Vela Café in Braamfontein, where the Swedish Minister and her dignitaries, Yawenda Omotoso (the author of Bom Boy) and Lerato from Stevenson gallery Art was the topic of the day. Walking in Zanele’s shoes is no joke, she looked fresh and still in the zone nothing would take the passion on her face away. When art or photography is the subject/ topic she speak with such passion and confidence. There is a reason and a purpose for every project she embarks on. When I arrived in Johannesburg a day earlier, I was only looking forward to two things the Somnyama Ngonyama exhibition and the meeting at the embassy but I walked away with such an incredible and educational experience and for that I am thankful.

 

Related link

 

2016 Jan. 25:  Creative Artists share knowledge on archiving

 

and

 

2014 Aug. 11:  PFLAG Workshop hosted by GALA and US Embassy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2016 Aug. 9: Look back and go forward

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by Mbali Zulu

Mbali Zulu, KwaThema, Springs, Johannesburg, 2010 featuring in Muholi's Faces & Phases black and white portraiture series

Mbali Zulu, KwaThema, Springs, Johannesburg, 2010

Look back and go forward. Looking at the picture of the group
I am forced to look back and go forward.

What is it that I am looking back at?

What is it that I am going forward to?

One would probably ask these questions.
What impact did this weekend have on me?

What do I remember most about this weekend?

And would I be interested in attending another Yithi Laba conference?

 

Yithi Laba 2015 conference delegates

2015 Yithi Laba conference delegates

I am now looking back at the photo; history was made during this weekend. We were the first group to attend a conference in the Faces and Phases series. I feel honoured, I must say. Young black lesbians from different parts of South Africa were chosen to attend this conference. It was fun and educational. It made me realize that there will always be room for growth. One must have no room for limits, but  growth.

Looking back at the photo is actually a good thing, because now all I want to do is look forward, go faster, and push harder. I am motivated once again, it feels like yesterday. I was really motivated and still am. This group of people consists of intelligent individuals, gifted lesbians, big dreamers, free spirited souls, leaders and our mothers.

Our mothers who attended the conference, from L-R:  Mally Simelane and Mapaseka Mthunzi

Our mothers who attended the conference, from L-R: Mally Simelane and Mapaseka Mthunzi

Our mothers, now that I have mentioned them. A flashback just crossed my mind, a moment I will never forget, a very touching and important one. Let me fill you in, on Saturday we had a special visit from our mothers, I mean the mothers of young black lesbians. They were there to motivate us, to tell us their stories and experiences. I was really touched. I learned that we as young black lesbians are not the only ones who are affected, but the ones who are really close to us are affected as well, especially our parents. I learnt that we not the only ones who sometimes get victimized, but our parents also do, however what kept me going is that, they love us regardless of our sexuality. They really deserve our love and respect.

bukelwa_4795
A very cold weekend it was, but the warmth that I felt there was amazing. Most of us knew each other from social networks and not in person. We were fortunate to share our stories and life experiences, we got a chance to know each other better and got to understand each other’s gifts. We had soccer players, visual artists, teachers, police, photographers, designers, poets etc. I actually thought to myself that, with this group of people, we can create a very powerful project. I didn’t know then, what was it, I still don’t know what’s it going to be, but I know that there will be. This is a very powerful photo, with powerful individuals and yes I’d like to attend another Yithi Laba conference.
Who wouldn’t?

leptie presents_5623leptie s photography_5209

Related link

 

2015 July 7:  A month later after Yithi Laba conference

 

and

 

2015 June 6:  Lesbian youth gather at Constitution Hill for the first ever Yithi Laba conference

 

 

 

 


2019 April. 10: Alex Total Shutdown

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Text by Maureen Velile Majola

Photo Album by Akhona Hailele

The residence of Alexandra Township

As per Wikipedia Alexandra Township was established in 1912 on land that was originally owned by a farmer, a Mr H.B. Pepenfus, who tried to establish a white residential township there, naming it after his wife Alexandra. However because it was (at that time) a considerable distance from the centre of Johannesburg, this was not a great success. Consequently, in 1912 Alexandra was proclaimed as a so-called “native township” because the township was proclaimed before the South African 1913 Land Act, it was one of the few urban areas in the country where black people could own land under a freehold title.

Alexandra is now 107 years old and the living conditions of its people keeps deteriorating. The township was built on 800 ha of land, which was designed to fit a population of about 70000 people. The township is over populated and it consists of informal settlements mostly. The houses and yards which were created at the beginning of Alexandra have since been covered by other structures that have emerged over the years.

107 years of Alexandra and 25 years of Democracy later, the residence of Alexandra took to the streets to protest against the City of Joburg for neglecting the community. They started demanding that the current Mayor Mr Herman Mashaba must come to Alex to address the community and hear their grievances. But the Mayor has not come to Alex or even made effort to listen to the community that he serves and that he promised two years ago that he was going to transform it.

The residence of Alex are angry at the City of Joburg for putting little to no effort into changing the township. There has been a great number of illegal mushroom structures that have been erected over the years and most of those structures are said to have been built by foreign nationals. A great number of elderly people in the community are still living in one roomed houses with their children, grandchildren and their great grandchildren. There is no privacy in the homes and a lot of the children are exposed to sexual behaviours at a young age because everything happens under 1 room and some children see their parents having sexual intercourse. The housing issue doesn’t just affect the home structure but it also affects how the child grows up and the things they get exposed to at a tender age.

The township’s pavements have since become nonexistant in most streets because people have built shacks or illegal houses on them, some houses are built on top of drainage systems and water pipes, which are now leaking with water on a daily basis. The city of Joburg has failed the community of Alex in more than one way. The new RDP houses that were built years ago are owned by foreign nationals who claim to have tittle deeds to the houses yet our own South African residence of the community are still waiting for houses, they are stuck with C forms that are not helping them with anything.

The community came together on the 5th of April at the Alex San Kopano Hall with hopes that Mayor Mashaba would show face and hear what the community had to say, but to their dismay he didn’t come and he didn’t even send an apology but instead he mocked the community members by taking to the streets of twitter and saying Alexandra Township is not his problem but that of the ANC government.

Residence were angered by the Mayor’s no show on Friday and they decided that they will march to the City of Joburg Regional offices in Sandton, that they will occupy Sandton and demand to be heard by the Mayor and for him to personally receive the community’s memorandum. The community gathered at Alexandra San Kopano on the 8th of April and started with their peaceful march to Sandton. The march moved from San Kopano 12th avenue to Joe Nhlanhla Street, where it turned at 9th Avenue and went to Selborne Street, proceeded straight towards Pan Africa on 1st Avenue. The community kept singing saying “siyongena sigijima esandton, hayi uMashaba uyasaba” and “10km into encane, 10 km into encane” as they marched towards Arkwright Avenue in Wynberg.

Thembani Manana, a young woman from Alex stood on top of a tyre and addressed the community as we were marching. She told them that they must not push through the pipe line and to make sure that we don’t leave anyone behind as we need to all arrive in Sandton as one community. Thembani in our interview with her emphasised that this was not a political march but this was a march by the community of Alex trying to get the attention of the Mayor and that we should look at all the factors that are affecting our community. Thembani was amongst the leaders and organisers of the protest.

The march proceeded towards Grayston Drive in Sandton, the entire Grayston intersection was closed off. For the first time in years the residence of Alexandra closed off the big road that goes to the big square mile of South Africa that generates billions of Rands for the country. The JMPD commander Spires, instructed the masses that they were not allowed to take tyres into Sandton, they cannot burn anything there. This was confusing as they were allowed to carry tyres in Alex, this showed how different the two areas are, this said a lot to me as a young person who grew up in Alexandra because I got to understand the power dynamics of the community and Sandton.

The march proceeded to the City of Joburg offices where we waited for hours to speak to the Mayor but he never came. Outside the CoJ’s office the community gathered singing and chanting for Mashaba to come and address them. We spoke to a group of women who expressed that this march is important for the community of Alexandra and the Mayor and his office must stop trying to make it seem as though the march is one of the political party’s propaganda but the Mayor must come and face the community of Alexandra and listen to their plea.

We spoke to mam Dikeledi Ntsimane who told us that she was in the struggle and her left eye was shot with rubber bullet. She expressed that even after everything she went through she still stays in a one room house, stuck with a C form that was issued to her by the department of housing but she still has no house. She expressed how painful it is to see some of the community members who’ve been waiting for houses have passed on without receiving their houses and how foreign nationals have houses yet they don’t have them. She told us that she wishes that Meyer Mashaba could come and listen to their grievances.

Mayor Herman Mashaba sent his City Manager to speak to the community of Alexandra and address them, but councillor Marema informed the city manager that he will not address the people of Alex as they are not there for him but for the Mayor. He was told if the Mayor fails to come and address the community then they will call on the President of South Africa to come to Alexandra on Thursday the 11th of April 2019. The memorandum was not handed over to anyone and the community made its way back to Alexandra Township in a peaceful march. When the march reached Pan Africa in Alex, the police started to open fire and they shot at a few woman saying they were vandalising and kicking tomatoes. But to my surprise the tomatoes were there even in the morning when we passed there. By this time Pan Africa had almost 30 police cars and vans that were making their way into the community saying they need to make sure that they don’t close the roads or strike again.

Mayor Mashaba truly disappointed the community of Alexandra by not showing up, now we wait for the President to come and address the community.

Related Posts:

https://inkanyiso.org/2018/12/12/car-handover-ceremony-to-ntethelelo-foundation/

https://inkanyiso.org/2014/05/10/2014-may-7-voices-of-some-black-queer-born-frees/

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