Umuzi Photo Club - News

The First Day of Thapelo's Future

2012-01-31T16:15:00.000+02:00

Thapelo and his first portfolio in October 2009.

Thapelo Motsumi came to his first Umuzi workshop in 2009 clutching a book of his drawings. He was in Grade 11 at Barnato Park High School in Berea and had been chosen by one of his teachers to participate in Umuzi Photo Club.

Thapelo had his hood pulled over his eyes, but when he looked out, his face shown with excitement. He modestly opened the sketchpad and showed his new facilitators a collection of animation drawings, cars, and portraits that demonstrated his natural artistic eye. He couldn’t have known that this day would alter the course of his life.

“Thapelo was soft spoken when we first met him,” David Dini, Managing Director of Umuzi recalls. “He was quiet, but whenever he had something to say it was always insightful. I could see he was passionate, it showed in everything he did.”

Thapelo's first film images taken in Yeoville and Hillbrow.

During those first few workshops, Thapelo’s talent for animation quickly translated into his photography. His photographs displayed his artistic disposition coupled with his thoughtful perspective of his subject and home: Yeoville. He won the first of many workshop competitions with a photograph of a homeless man slumped over, a yawn spread across his face. The photo would later be displayed in exhibitions in London, New York, Antwerp, Melbourne, and Johannesburg.

Thapelo was chosen to advance into Umuzi’s Leadership through Photography Programme (LPP) where he passed on his photography knowledge and became a respected leader to his peers. His tenacity was recognized and he was chosen to participate in a technical training course from the College of Digital Photography, which progressed his skills.

But, like many great photographers, Thapelo’s road to success hit a barrier early on.

Thapelo and his fellow South African 2010 matriculants suffered two blows in their final school year. A public holiday was declared during the FIFA World Cup in hopes of battling teacher and student absenteeism and potential transport issues. The winter holiday was extended from 15 days to 22 days, but the Education Department assured the nation that learners would still attend the required 195 days of school. However, this break occurred at a key study-period for those, like Thapelo, who were preparing for their examinations.

The second blow was the public sector strike that lasted for two months in August. While teachers demanded higher pay, students struggled, unassisted, to prepare for their exams.

Thapelo interviewing with the BBC in London.

After writing his prelims in September, Thapelo’s marks, previously as high as 80% in Grade 10 and 11, had dropped dramatically. Among other failing marks, Thapelo received a 9% in Mathematics. He had less than two months to improve.

“I was shocked you know,” Thapelo said, “They either make you or break you. And they broke me. After prelims [a set of preliminary, practice exams learners take before the final exams] they were still teaching us new material, it wasn’t as if we had done everything—we were still being taught.”

Umuzi caught wind of his marks and reached out to its generous network. Professors, actuaries, bankers, and teachers volunteered to help him with extra lessons in their spare time. But it was too little too late. When Thapelo’s results came back in January of 2011, he was despondent. He failed three subjects.

Yet Thapelo was determined not to join the masses of failed South African matriculants. He used his network from Umuzi to enroll in night classes and continue extra lessons.

Thapelo at his first solo exhibition, 'Love is' for Youth Day.

Throughout 2011, Thapelo worked with the Umuzi Agency to advance his photography, expand his network, and bring in money to pay his school fees. He had his first solo exhibition, traveled to London, was featured on the BBC and met some of the world’s best photographers. He came back from London inspired. “I want to be a photojournalist,” he declared.

In October, before Thapelo would rewrite his exams, he came to the Umuzi offices with an idea. He wanted to enroll in the prestigious Market Photo Workshop’s Photography and Documentary Programme. He drew together his diverse portfolio of work and filled out the extensive application.

Two months later, he received his letter of acceptance and a scholarship. All that remained was for Thapelo to pass his outstanding matric subjects. If he did, he would be the youngest applicant to ever be accepted into the programme.

When November came around, Thapelo sat again to take his exams. He knew what was at stake if he didn’t pass.

The best-selling photograph from Thapelo's 'Love is' exhibition.

When the results came back this January, Thapelo was thrilled. He passed.

”I felt relieved, it was a long time coming,” Thapelo said. “I would like to thank all of the tutors and mentors for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to succeed. I was down, confidence wise, and they told me I could do it. I won’t disappoint, that’s for sure.”

On 16 January 2012, Thapelo walked in to a new classroom, not far from the one where he first joined Umuzi. The room was shinier and the windows weren’t broken. Thapelo’s hoodie was no longer pulled over his eyes and he brought a portfolio of photographs instead of a pad of sketches to the Market Photo Workshop. In only his third week, he met the infamous international photographers Joao Silva and Jodi Bieber.

“It’s mindblowing to be in the same room with people who share the same passion as you,” Thapelo said. “It makes me more passionate, they inspire me.”

Thapelo would like to recognize all of the teachers who offered additional support in the last two years. There is no doubt that his documentary work is going to be a resounding force in South Africa.

Many thanks to:

Celine de Canha

Stacey Clark

Simon Grest

Neelan Pather

St. Johns

St. David’s Marist Brothers College, in particular Belinda Marais, Ms. Glanville and Ms. Deetlefs

In addition, Thapelo and Umuzi would like to thank David Westhead and John Cole from the Wembley to Soweto project for their generous donation, which will allow Thapelo to cover his school-related expenses. Stay posted for more updates and photos from Thapelo as he completes his coursework at the Market Photo Workshop.

Hambani Kahle Stacey

2012-01-16T09:51:00.003+02:00

At the end of 2011, Stacey Clark, Umuzi’s Financial Director, returned to New York City to start an exciting new position with the multinational development organization, BRAC.

Since Umuzi’s inception in 2009, Stacey has been an integral part of our team. As financial director, Stacey established an efficient system for Umuzi’s finance activities, enabling the organisation to comply with standard accounting practices. Stacey also led the successful rollout of our partner school improvement initiative, in which Umuzi worked with learners and school staff to invest proceeds from fundraising exhibitions to help meet some of the critical needs of our partner schools. During this project, Stacey oversaw the refurbishment of classroom facilities at Barnato Park High School in inner-city Joburg, the installation of a new plumbing system at Kwena Molapo High School near Diepsloot township, and the procurement of new chairs for classrooms at Zifuneleni Junior Secondary school in Soweto.

Stacey has been a light of inspiration to Umuzi learners and her co-workers. A passionate workshop facilitator and learner mentor, it was in this capacity that Stacey accompanied three learners to London last July to attend the Desmond Tutu Foundation’s Conversations for Change, a weeklong workshop on conflict resolution and media training. It is no doubt that Stacey’s impact on Umuzi’s youth will long outlive her time in Johannesburg.

Stacey is now programme manager of finance at BRAC USA. BRAC is a development organisation dedicated to alleviating poverty by offering a holistic approach to empowering the poor. Stacey is responsible for the organisation’s financial management, the implementation and execution of the team’s strategic program services, and public education and grant making strategies that relate to BRAC’s work in Haiti. For more information on BRAC click here and here.

Stacey continues to support Umuzi’s initiative from New York, although her presence is sorely missed in Johannesburg.

Stacey, from all of us at Umuzi, we thank you for your dedicated hard work, your unwavering patience, and all our laughs and memories. We wish you well in your new career in international development and hope to see you back on the African continent soon.

Hambani kahle Sisi

Ending 2011: Youth Stories Part Three

2012-01-09T10:07:00.004+02:00

This is part three in our end of the year series featuring stories by our youth. Please see our previous posts for more details about the project.

A group of our learners from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Hillbrow communities wrote about a challenge that they face in their lives. They then created a poem, rap, drawing or short story to inspire people to change the situation. Below is the third of three featured responses.

Morgan Faku, Grade 11, Alexandra Township

A challenge in my life is living without knowing my father. I face this problem every day and I need a male person to guide me. It’s tough when you are a boy and don't know your father because it's difficult to discuss things with a female person.

Seeing others who have close relationships with their fathers is tough on you. You end up saying, ‘Why was I born?’ and thinking that you are a mistake, that you weren’t planned. That’s why life is hard on me.

I haven't overcome it because it is something that cannot be changed. It is the way life is and you have to continue the life you live.

I would like to tell others that they are not a mistake, God made you who you are and Earth is not your home, heaven is.

Poem:

Life is hectic

take it as an assignment from God

for eternity,

cause earth is not your home,

the things you have are not yours,

God borrowed you them

and life is an assignment from God.

Ending 2011: Youth Stories Part Two

2011-12-28T18:03:00.001+02:00

This is part two in our end of the year series featuring stories by our youth. Please see our previous posts for more details.

A group of Umuzi learners from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Hillbrow communities wrote about a challenge that they face in their lives. They then created a poem, rap, drawing or short story to inspire people to change the situation. Below is the second of three featured responses.

Rudzani Matshili, Grade 11, Diepsloot Township

A challenge I have faced in my life is going to Grade 12 next year.

It is a challenge for me because it wasn’t easy for me to get here and my Grade 11 marks were not as good as I has anticipated. I wasn’t even sure if I was going to pass.

I studied hard, but the time I got was not enough.

As soon as you are promoted to a certain grade, you have to study every day. You shouldn't wait until it is time for exams because then it's not going to be easy.

I believe that a bright future belongs to those who prepare for it today, so you have to prepare yours by going to school and studying hard. When you are educated doors can easily be opened and opportunities come running to you, even though you might not grab them all. Remember your future is in your hands.

Ending 2011: Youth Stories Part One

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000+02:00

As 2011 comes to a close, we reflect on the past year and all of the generous people who have given their time, resources, and enthusiasm towards helping Umuzi expand our reach and deepen our impact on youth across South Africa. Without all of you, this organization would not be where it is today.

This year has brought both challenges and triumphs, but it has prepared us for 2012 when our youth will make their mark on the city of Johannesburg.

And as we look to the new year and our activism campaign, we find ourselves coming back to our learners' stories. These stories inspire us and propel us forward, even in times of adversity. They are the stories that we will share with the country and the world, bringing a voice to a generation of young people who are so frequently overlooked.

We will end the year with words from our youth in a series of posts called 'Youth Stories.' Their remarks remind us not only of the difficulties they face, but of their hope and desire to creatively change their communities and their lives.

Thank you to everyone who has made 2011 a fantastic year for Umuzi. Here’s to 2012!

A group of our learners from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Hillbrow wrote about challenges that they face in their lives. They then created a poem, rap, drawing or short story to inspire people to change the issue. Below is the first of three featured responses.

Lorraine Sachane, Grade 12, Alexandra Township

My challenge was losing my sister and my mom when they had to leave us to go to Tanzania. My mother left us in the hands of my sister who was only 17 at the time.

It was very hard for me because I had to grow up without a mother or father figure. It was heartbreaking to see my sister working so hard to raise the four of us at the age of 17.

I never gave up on life and always had faith that one day I will complete school and be able to help my sister.

Never let your situation at home make you give up on life. Because if you believe, and have faith in yourself, then nothing will be impossible for you to change your situation.

My Poem:

Life is a tough journey

Life has no sympathy or pity

For anyone in this world

Life can drive you insane

But only faith and hope in yourself

Is the key

To change your situation

Into a happy-ending tale

Never let failure destroy you

Make failure your friend.

In order to learn from

Your mistakes and make

A better you in the future

Only you are the driver

Of your life

Only you can make

A difference in your life

Life has no limitation

Only when you believe.

Umuzi: I am an Activist Part III

2011-11-28T16:27:00.005+02:00

Morgan Faku, 16, has a scar under his left eye and usually hides his face under the curve of his hat brim. He recently moved to Alexandra township from the North West Province and lives with his sister who looks after him.

Morgan was one of 14 Umuzi learners from East Bank High School who photographed school drop-outs for a community exhibition in Alexandra township last July.

During a workshop in June, Morgan told the group he had personally been affected by the issue because his mother dropped out of school in Grade 7 when she was pregnant with Morgan’s sister.

“My mother has never bought me a shirt, or a shoe,” Morgan said. “She is unemployed and drinks too much, now she is too lazy to find a job.”

Morgan said that he sometimes has a hard time paying for school fees and stationary because his sister doesn’t make enough money to support him and his family back home. Because of the challenges he faced, Morgan decided to photograph people in his community who dropped out of school and are now unemployed. He photographed a woman who stays in the “catboxes,” which are small shacks made of cardboard just off of London Road.

“It wasn't hard for me to interview that woman, because when I see that woman I see my own mother: she's drinking too much and has too many children,” Morgan said. “She doesn't like the situation she is living in.”

Morgan said that he wants to study to become a social worker so that he can help young people who face challenges in their lives. Until then, he will continue to document unemployment issues in Alexandra. His story will be featured as part of the Umuzi: I am an Activist initiative and Jo'burg wide exhibition next year.

Photos by Captain Mabjwe, Thapelo Motsumi, and Morgan Faku

Umuzi: I am an activist part II

2011-11-17T16:23:00.005+02:00

Tebogo Mabye has a broad smile and freckles that spread across his face. When he first walked in to an Umuzi Photo Club workshop at Barnato Park High School last March excitement glimmered in his eyes.

He was ready to learn photography and become a social activist. Eight months later, Tebogo continues to use photography as a tool to raise awareness about an issue close to his heart: teenage pregnancy.

“My mother was a teenage mother,” Tebogo said. “She wasn’t able to finish school because of her pregnancy.”

Like many young mothers in her situation, Constance Mabye left baby Tebogo with her own mother after giving birth so she could look for a job.

“It was very difficult because even his father wasn’t helpingat all,” Constance said. “I found out that he was married and it was very difficult for me to even go after him when I saw that he had a wife. And I left it at that.”

Tebogo struggled for guidance growing up without a father and with his mother away. His grandmother, now deceased, nurtured him and inspired him to take control of his life. Now, Tebogo is determined to warn his peers about the dangers of teenage pregnancy.

“Right now there are a lot of grade 10’s, 11’s and 12’s that are pregnant.” Tebogo said. “They’re going to have a problem for their children when they’re older because they’re not finished with matric. It continues in a system where the child will also get pregnant when they are teenagers and it causes problems from generation to generation. It must be stopped.”

Tebogo’s story, photographed and recorded by Umuzi learners, will be showcased in a multimedia piece at our upcoming exhibition geared towards highlighting creative youth activism in South Africa.

Photos by Captain Magjwe

Qiniso Dialogues: Questions for Change

2011-11-09T11:17:00.002+02:00

“Sometimes questions are more important than answers.” – Nancy Willard

The five W’s and an H is the first tool Umuzi’s youth learn in their journey to understand everyday issues and become youth activists. Umuzi directors David and Gilbert were recently invited to attend a forum, the Qiniso Dialogues, in which they were asked to help define five questions every South African should answer.

Who?

A pastor, ex-convict, transport official, media entrepreneur, NGO facilitator, and management consultant walk into a bar… it sounds like the introduction to a complicated joke but was in fact the beginning of an innovative conference, bringing together youth leaders from a broad spectrum of South African society.

What?

The Qiniso Dialogues (Zulu for truth) are a series of forums arranged by South African newspaper, the Mail & Guardian, and Pretoria University’s Business School, Gibs. David and Gilbert, along with 30 other “movers and shakers,” attended the third of these forums.

Why?

According to their blurb, the Qiniso dialogues aim “…to uncover the five questions that every South African must answer in order to build the country.” Just as important, it seems, is the process. Bringing together such a diverse group of young leaders to question South Africa sparked new connections. The energy and shared interest in making a contribution to the country’s future, despite the obvious differences between the participants, was inspiring.

Where?

The day started early with Gilbert collecting his new Umuzi business cards from the printers while David ordered a latte. They moved on to meet the Qiniso crew at the Market Theatre in Newtown. After the introduction, the participants marched across Newtown square to the little known Workers Museum (worth a visit). After exploring the tough working conditions under which early Johannesburg residents had to toil, the party split into awaiting minibus taxis which whisked them to the Fashion District (doubly worth while). A delicious lunch ensued followed by meaty conversations to select the final questions, which was the order of the day.

When?

Friday 4 November, to be precise, but more importantly, the answer to this question should be, “Now!”

“When you wake up tomorrow morning, the most important question will be: ‘What will you do to answer your question today?’” facilitator Seth Naicker, Managing Partner of indiAfrique and Qiniso co-organiser emphasized.
Seth is anything but apathetic. Not even the birth of his son the night before could keep him from challenging participants with thought provoking questions and quotes from the “big M’s” – Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Mandela.

And, how?

Questions that dominated the day:

“How do we change the culture of apathy amongst young South Africans?”

“What can I do to contribute to South Africa leading Africa in dealing with her challenges?”

“What are you willing to die for in order for South Africa to be better for all?”

“What change are you bringing in your work world to create opportunities for the youth, especially young women?”

It was made clear that each participant is expected to live their solutions. As co-organiser, Shaka Sisulu, grandson of the great, late Walter Sisulu reflects, questions are of limited value until one asks, “So, what are you doing about it?”

Umuzi hopes to continue to cultivate solutions to its youths’ questions and collaborate with fellow Qiniso participants to inspire change in South Africa. We look forward to exploring opportunities with:

Intellect magazine – managing director Sifiso showed interest in featuring Umuzi photographers’ work in their online magazine.

Jam TV – founder Jonny spoke passionately about his start-up Web TV channel and asked if Umuzi photographers could shoot stills for their productions.

Thank you Mail & Guardian and Gibs for the Qiniso experience! Umuzi will keep readers posted on its Qiniso collaborations. To read more about the Qiniso Dialogues, see this article by Mail and Guardian journalist Nickolaus Bauer.

Post by Gilbert Pooley

Umuzi: I am an activist

2011-11-02T14:07:00.002+02:00

As Umuzi gears up for its Johannesburg-wide exhibition (date to be confirmed) 14 advanced learners from Diepsloot, Hillbrow and Alexandra are documenting each other’s stories of youth activism to highlight their passion to change the most pertinent issues in their lives.

This past Saturday, Umuzi learners and mentors went to learner Rudzani Matshili’s home in Deipsloot. They photographed her surroundings to illustrate her drive to bring electricity to her community.

At age 9, Rudzani’s shack caught fire. Her family was living without electricity, using candles, paraffin stoves, and oil lamps for light and heat.

When the family went out one evening, they accidentally left a lit candle that fell over and set the curtains a light. Rudzani said she was terrified when she returned to find her home on fire. Luckily, the family caught the blaze before it spread to the rest of the shack.

In 2010, Rudzani was part of a group of learners who photographed and raised awareness about poor service delivery in Diepsloot including access to clean water, refuse collection, and electricity. Rudzani photographed four shacks that caught fire because one of the neighbours had an illegal electricity connection that exploded.

“If Jacob Zuma could come to Diepsloot and see what’s going on, like how people live,” Rudzani said. “I think he would have the heart for those who are suffering.”

Rudzani will continue to speak out about electricity issues in her community in the hope of creatively cultivating change.

Photos by Rudzani Matshili, Mbali Moagi, and Captain Magjwe

Capturing the Cape: a youth-led initiative

2011-10-11T14:37:00.000+02:00

Meghan Daniels, 18, has a shy smile and bright eyes. Her voice is soft, but her passion quickly bursts through her seemingly quiet demeanor.

While most of her peers are channeling their energy into studying for their Matric exams, Daniels is balancing school and a social development photography project she created in Khayelitshe township called the Ilizwi Photo Club.

“We’re always saying let’s make a difference, let’s make a difference,” Daniels said. “But I’m going to make that a reality.”

In 2010, Meghan was one of 114 candidates to take part in the enke: Make Your Mark Youth Leadership Forum, a South African youth leadership initiative that connects youth from diverse backgrounds and inspires them to create change in their communities. (Also mentioned here on the Umuzi blog).

“Many of us become complacent and moan about our country's problems,” Daniels said. “We tend to overlook the extraordinary beauty. Enke is teaching youth to stop being apathetic and to be proactive instead.”

CEO of enke, Pip Wheaton, said she was immediately curious about Meghan’s idea when she sat down with her at the 2010 enke: Forum.

“I was excited to hear about her project,” Wheaton said. “But I was also very amused because unbeknownst to her, she was describing an organization that I was very familiar with, Umuzi.”

“I have always loved art and photography,” Meghan said. “So I wanted to combine something creative with something service oriented.”

Umuzi Director Andrew Levy was a guest speaker at the enke forum in 2010. He geared his presentation towards inspiring youth to take action.

“Sometimes youth think it is too hard to make a change -- the hurdles too high, costs too great,” Levy said. “I wanted to show the enke delegates that together it is easy to make a difference. They simply need to start. Start thinking, start talking, and start building. Together nothing is impossible”

Daniels explained that she spoke to Levy about her ideas at the forum and he invited her to Umuzi’s Nyanga workshops last December, where she participated in a photo walk and experienced the Umuzi initiative first hand.

“When I actually got to see what Umuzi was doing and how they were going out in to the community and photographing things, it was so inspiring,” Daniels said. “The kids’ faces when they got the cameras, the relationships between volunteers and students, and editing and choosing photographs-- they were like a family.”

Since the Nyanga workshops, Meghan has successfully created her own photo club.

“I googled how to write a business plan and I just started sending it to everyone and anyone I could think of,” Daniels said. “That’s when Nikon and Fuji Film and others started calling.”

She held her first exhibition two weeks ago at the V&A Waterfront Craft Market in Cape Town.

“I didn’t know what to expect with the project but I went in with a heart that was willing to learn new things,” Daniels said. “And to see the growth in the learners and the differences in them, it’s so inspiring.”

Meghan has big plans for the future and is taking a gap year to expand Ilizwi across Khayelitshe, with her current graduated learners acting as mentors.

“My hopes for Meghan are that she keeps her passion while she’s doing this,” Wheaton said. “I’m excited that she’s planning on reaching more young people next year. She’s very ambitious, and I hope that she can continue to get the support she needs.”

“Seeing Meghan's project evolve has been inspiring.” Levy said. “She has worked really hard, and in a short space of time she has achieved so much with her learners in the community.”

Read more about enke: Make Your Mark and the Ilizwi Photo Club follow their links. Photography courtesy of Ilizwe Photo Club.

Facilitator Videos: Messages to the Youth

2011-09-27T16:04:00.000+02:00

Umuzi would like to congratulate facilitators Lavendhri Arumugam and Emily Coppel for their recent certification as Adobe Youth Voices and Taking it Global educators.

Umuzi Photo Club was chosen as a partner for Adobe Youth Voicesand Taking it Global earlier this year, joining a network of organisationsacross the world that facilitate youth activism through creative media.

For their final projects, each facilitator created videos based on poems they wrote with messages for youth. These projects, entitled "Inside/Out," are only a minute long and featured below. Well done to Laven and Emily! Umuzi is looking forward to further work with AYV and TIG!

From One Small Seed to the BBC, Umuzi makes headlines

2011-09-19T13:35:00.001+02:00

In case you didn’t catch the Wembley to Soweto exhibition at the Oxo Gallery in London, we are excited to announce that the BBC has published the gallery online. Click the photo above or follow this link to see Umuzi learners' best work.
In addition, SA pop culture magazine, One Small Seed, also published a feature on Umuzi and the Wembley to Soweto project. Click here or on the image above. Nice work to the whole crew!

We shall prevail

2011-09-15T19:13:00.006+02:00

Earlier this week, Umuzi Photo Club suffered a tremendous loss when our offices in Braamfontein, Johannesburg were robbed.

While we were attending a meeting from 15:00 to 17:00, an individual (or perhaps individuals) forced their way through our gated, dead-bolted entrance and stole our computers and backup drives.

The loss of physical assets was great, but the loss of image and video content, as well as our workshop training documents, was far greater. We are busy recovering content from our email and other sources, but recognise that we have lost a significant portion of our work.

The threat of crime in Johannesburg is something its citizens acknowledge daily. For many people here, stolen computers and cell phones are frequent occurrences. We were, and always have been, aware of the crime threat in our communities and in our workspace. But as an organisation, we are adamant that this fear will not deter us from our mission to empower youth.

We would like to thank everyone who has reached out to us in this time of crisis with your words of encouragement and support. We would like to give a special thank you to those of you who have pledged donations towards the recovery of our assets. We could have never imagined such a heartfelt response, providing us with the tools and further motivation to get back on our feet and continue inspiring youth.

We believe in a positive future for South Africa and will not let this incident derail our mission or compromise our vision.

Please visit our blog to see what we have been up to recently. If you feel compelled to help us bounce back from this unfortunate situation, please show your support by donating and click the “Donate” button on the upper right hand corner of the page.

Thank you for standing behind us as we rebuild Umuzi to a bigger and better outfit!

photo: Joao Nzina

Umuzi learners find Ubuntu in London

2011-09-07T11:28:00.016+02:00

This past July, three Umuzi learners created short films as part of the Desmond Tutu Foundation’s Conversations for Change programme in Stratford, London.

Their final documentary shorts, created in just four days, are now available to the public!

Watch this video by Umuzi learners Shoneez and Thapelo that documents their search for Ubuntu in the London Burough of Newham.

Well done to Patience, Thapelo and Shoneez, and a special thank you to Daniel Solle from the Tutu Foundation UK.

To see more about Umuzi learner’s trip to London see some of our other posts.

Umuzi presents at Princeton University

2011-08-29T23:24:00.008+02:00

We would like to thank Fred Swaniker and Chris Bradford, founders of the African Leadership Academy, for inviting Umuzi to present at their very first Leadership Indaba at Princeton University this August. With delegates such as Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Reports and former US Ambassador to the African Union, John Simon, the Indaba proved a powerful platform for today's thought leaders to share ideas and develop relationships that will have a lasting positive impact on the continent. We were greatly honoured to be in attendance and look forward to the next one!

Umuzi on Radio France Internationale!

2011-08-18T16:22:00.009+02:00

Merci Sophie Ribstein for the brilliant coverage on Radio France Internationale. Play the audio above and view the write up here.

Umuzi Featured by allAfrica

2011-08-10T18:58:00.008+02:00

Umuzi is proud to announce that it is has been featured by allAfrica.com, Africa's largest electronic news distributer. Printing over 1000 stories daily, it is one of the internet's largest content sites, according to the website.

For a look at the slideshow visit the allAfrica education page or click the image below to go straight to the slideshow.

High School Dropouts: Sharing The Stories Behind the Issue

2011-08-05T15:04:00.013+02:00

Umuzi learners from East Bank High School made their groundbreaking debut in Alexandra Township last Wednesday. It was certainly a day they won’t soon forget .

Umuzi youth photographer Morgan Faku and facilitator Floyd Vilankulu started off the morning at Alex FM talking about the issues contributing to high instances of school dropouts in their community. They spread the word about their local exhibition on display at East Bank, documenting stories around the issue.

That evening, nine learners from Alexandra and five advanced learners from Diepsloot hosted their exhibition opening. It displayed their photographs and a multimedia video, helping to raise social awareness about the causes and effects of school dropouts.

Their visuals documented the compelling stories behind this epidemic, including those of drug-use, teenage pregnancy and unemployment in the community. They proudly shared their work with their families peers, and community members, showcasing the reasons why they are losing so many fellow schoolmates.

Photos: Floyd Vilankulu and Thapelo Motsumi

Alex Community Exhibition: High School Dropouts

2011-08-02T07:03:00.011+02:00

Nine young photographers and activists from Umuzi’s team at East Bank High in Alexandra are hosting an exhibition of their works for their community and fellow Umuzi supporters. Please join Tebogo, Morgan, Nobuntu, Patricia, Thebiso, Precious, Lorraine, Omphemetse and Onthatile at East Bank High Library this Wednesday evening starting from 18h00 until 20h00 as they explore the issues behind high school dropouts in their community.

This exhibition will also showcase a special multimedia piece compiled by Umuzi’s Leadership Through Photography Programme participants, Lawrence, Evidence, Captain and Rhudzani. Come support all of our young learners and their cause!

Click here for a map.

Higher Learning

2011-07-27T17:53:00.001+02:00

Umuzi learner Shoneez Cassim currently attends the University of Johannesburg where she is focusing on psychology and hopes to one day study toward an advanced degree in developmental psychology. She made good use of her time in London by making a trip out to Cambridge University where she met up with Ivanka Bloom and Evianne van Gijn, who have both themselves pursued advanced degrees in psychology, for a tour of Cambridge's campus and psychology department. Shoneez at Cambridge? We can totally see it.

That's a Wrap

2011-07-26T23:49:00.000+02:00

Umuzi is back from London and we just wanted to post a few pics from the Conversations for Change wrap party to say thank you to everyone involved with the project! This was a huge success and an amazing experience for our three young learners.

Thank you to David Westhead of Wilton Pictures and Daniel Solle of the Tutu Foundation for making this experience happen for everyone. A big thank you as well to the programme facilitators, Kweku, Andrea and Kurtis, for sharing their wisdom and energy. Thank you to everyone at the Theater Royal Stratford East and the Stratford East Picturehouse for giving us two amazing spaces to work in. Thank you to the community members in Newham for hosting our two wandering film crews. Final thanks of course goes to Pelumi, Yemisi, Fillipe, Shannen, Virginia, Lucas, Derrick, Patience, Shoneez and Thapelo for sharing their lives and experiences with us all.

Watch here for final photos essays by our three learners from their time in London!

Author: Stacey Clark, Photos: Thapelo Motsumi

Umuzi's "Messages for Madiba" campaign enjoys massive success

2011-07-19T21:03:00.018+02:00

The purpose of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to become responsible citizens and take action to improve the welfare of the greater community. As an active youth development organisation, we pride ourselves in "Making everyday a Mandela Day" and tip our hats to the numerous NGOs that are dedicated to the development of this beloved country.

For Mandela Day, Umuzi Photo Club paid tribute to the 93-year-old icon by launching "Messages for Madiba", a multi-platform media campaign. The campaign sought to commemorate Madiba by relaying heart felt messages to the great man from the citizens of Alexandra Township.

We can all do more.

Large scale photographs appeared on two massive advertising screens in Sandton and Braamfontein (inner city)

The slideshow is running through this Sunday in Braamfontein - see here for a map of it's location

Images appeared on etv's Sunrise (this image is a dramatisation)

Images from the campaign appeared online in the the Mail&Guardian and the Times (SA)

The Times (SA) also ran images in print

And lastly, the Bioscope is running the piece as a movie trailer all week

Happy Birthday Tata.

Movie making in the East End

2011-07-18T22:52:00.001+02:00

Last week, Shoneez, Patience and Thapelo wrapped up their work with the Desmond Tutu Foundation's Conversations for Change programme in Stratford. Days two, three and four were all about documentary filmmaking – Day two was storyboarding, creating shots lists and filming, Day three was filming wrap up, interviewing and editing. On Day four, our young learners were back to editing and finalizing their films.

Two different films were produced - Shoneez and Thapelo worked with their fellow teammates Pelumi, Yemisi, Fillipe Kurtis and Kweku on a film about finding ubuntu in Newham. Patience worked on a separate film with her team, Shannen, Virginia, Lucas, Derrick, Stacey and Andrea, about a journey to make the right ubuntu choices when growing up in a challenging environment.

Here’s what the three thought about learning to create films:

What did you learn about making a documentary film?

P: I learned that you can never really fully plan the story line because as you see other things, you need to change the original plan as you go.

S: It takes a loooot of work. And sometimes you need to think on the spot when your plan doesn’t work out. You must be prepared for anything and everything.

What was it like working with a team during this process, and in particular with young people from London? Did your different backgrounds make the process easier or more difficult?

S: It was really nice that everyone had different views but then people started drifting from our main goal and everyone had different ideas on what to do. But we always came back around to a consensus – it was really nice.

T: It was nice to share ideas on how to make a creative film. To see what they think and how we were going to work together as a team. I can’t wait to see the final product tomorrow!

How does this compare to photography? Were there similarities, huge differences?

P: It was different but not that different – for me, it was like taking a bunch of pictures and putting them together to make a story with meaning.

S: It seemed a lot harder because you have to do things over and over and until everything goes just as you want.

T: There is a whole cast that you’re working with – the actors, the sound guys, the camera man, director. Everyone must have the same vision. If you are a photographer, you can often be pretty much on your own.

Were you happy with how your team’s final film turned out?

P: I’m ok with it but I feel that it could have been more intriguing but we will see the final product tomorrow night.

S: We’ll have to wait and see when it shows on the big screen but so far we’re happy.

T: I can’t wait to see it – they were putting the soundtracks with it when we left. I think with those added to it, it will be excellent.

Both films will be screened for the community on Tuesday, 19 July in East Ham – watch our blog for a link to YouTube once they’re posted.

Authors: Stacey Clark, Thapelo Motsumi, Patience Ndhlovu and Shoneez Cassim

Photos: Stacey Clark and Thapelo Motsumi

Dear Madiba, Love Alexandra

2011-07-17T18:39:00.012+02:00

Umuzi Photo Club spent 67 minutes in Alexandra Township collecting a series of birthday messages and photographs for former President Nelson Mandela from community members. Check it out at the following spots:

Online at Mail&Guardian
The advertising screen above the Radisson Blu on the corner of Rivonia and West, Sandton
The advertising screen at The Grove in Braamfontein
The Bioscope before the screening of the documentary “Mining for Change”

Facebook or Tweet your photos of where you saw it.

Thapelo heads back to the BBC

2011-07-15T22:39:00.003+02:00

People around London are starting to recognize the voice of Thapelo Motsumi – Thapelo was back on the BBC this past Tuesday with David Westhead of Wilton Pictures to talk about his work as a young photographer and the Wembley to Soweto project. They joined a body of distinguished guests at a round table discussion that was broadcasted live from the BBC Radio’s sprawling headquarters, the Broadcasting House.

Thapelo couldn’t believe the company he was sharing - the guests included Kamin Mohammadi, a journalist who fled the Iranian revolution in 1979 with her family and came to live in West London. Nearly 20 years later, she returned to her country to face her past - she tells her story in the book 'The Cypress Tree'. Pauline Black was also there – she is the actor/director and lead singer with 2-Tone band, The Selector. Born of Anglo-Jewish/Nigerian parents, she was adopted by a white, working class family in Romford. She escaped her small town background for a life of music and fame and tells her story in a memoir, 'Black by Design'. Finally there was Paul Magid - part of The Flying Karamazov Brothers, the anarchic Californian. He founded the group on the streets of Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco in the 70’s, born out of the old beat generation and the anti-war movement.

And then there was Thapelo who was a smashing success once again as he expertly navigated the interviewer's questions and shared his stories from the Wembley to Soweto Project.

What did Thapelo think about being on the BBC?

"It was cool – everyone I meet keeps telling me that they heard me on the BBC or that their friends or family members heard me on the radio. In South Africa, we have the BBC but it is mostly on TV – this is a different platform for me to reach more people with my story. We each talked about our lives, the challenges and the successes. They told me that the BBC reaches millions of people. So yeah, it’s a different feel to it."

And the other guests?

"They were all inspirational people with different backgrounds – their self belief took them where they wanted to go, irrespective of their backgrounds."

Watch here for a link to the official broadcast.

Authors & Photos: Thapelo Motsumi and Stacey Clark

That's so Ubuntu

2011-07-12T17:00:00.007+02:00

I am, because you are. Ubuntu is community, togetherness, caring, belonging, respect. These are just a few of the answers that echoed through the Stratford Easy Royal Theatre on Monday. Yesterday, our three intrepid young photographers journeyed out to Stratford in east London to participate in the Conversations for Change programme sponsored by the Tutu Foundation U K. The learners were united with youth from the nearby neighborhood of Newham to discuss the principles of ubuntu – hailing from the birth place of ubuntu, Thapelo, Patience and Shoneez were able to offer some valuable insight into this concept of connectedness to their fellow youth.

Together the group discussed their different communities, cultures and values. They also addressed the issues they are confronted with in at-risk communities, and in particular, new issues arising out of the development surrounding the upcoming 2012 Olympics in London. After having experienced much of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the host city of Johannesburg, the three learners are able to offer valuable insights into the development dynamics that are expected to occur in Stratford and surrounding areas as a result of the Olympic games.

These discussions will form the basis of a short film that the group is shooting in Newham and Stratford over the next several days. The group received a short but intense course in film making yesterday and were able to squeeze in some practice recording interviews before wrapping up for the day. Today we start shooting in the streets of London’s east side – check back soon for an update.

Author & Photos: Stacey Clark

Learner post: Hugh Masekela at the Hackney Empire

2011-07-12T09:40:00.011+02:00

Last night we hit the town and attended the Hugh Masekela concert at the Hackney Empire - it was an amazing tribute to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba. Hugh was accompanied by Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa and Lira - all huge South African stars in their own right. Oh what a night.

How was the concert? Shoneez: refreshing, exciting, a wonderful performance. Patience: It felt like home, I sang along and danced. It was nice to be in a place and feel like you belong. It was amazing how our South African artists are so big abroad.

How did you feel about the dancing in the crowd? Shoneez: it was funny to watch all of those British people trying to break it down. It was also nice to see everyone dancing together, irrespective of their colour.

Authors: Shoneez & Patience

Photos: Thapelo

Different continent, same kasi-swag

2011-07-11T23:21:00.001+02:00

kasi |kasi|

noun

1 the name used for South African townships : I grew up in the kasi and I’m growing old in the Kasi

swag |swag|

noun

1 the way in which you carry yourself. Swag is made up of your overall confidence, style, and demeanor : Temba has changed since last school year, he’s got major swag now

Thapelo's BBC Interview

2011-07-09T12:27:00.003+02:00

Many thanks to David Westhead of Wilton Pictures and Tim Allen of the BBC for getting Thapelo into the studio. You can also download the podcast by clicking here.

Exhibition night at oxo

2011-07-08T01:48:00.006+02:00

Some say that tonight's Wembley to Soweto opening at the gallery@oxo rivaled the Harry Potter premiere just across the Thames River. It certainly felt that way. Check back tomorrow for photos from Patience, Shoneez, and Thapelo. Have we really only been here for two days?

Thapelo's BBC interview

2011-07-07T16:19:00.005+02:00

Thapelo was interviewed today for the BBC World Service programme, Outlook, this morning at the Bush House in Strand. Despite having 170 million listeners, Thapelo kept his cool during the interview. Good man. We'll post the podcast soon!

Day one in London

2011-07-06T00:40:00.000+02:00

Johannesburg was established in 1886. The earliest settlement in the area now know as the city of London dates back to 47 A.D. After spending our first day driving around this antiquated city, I think its safe to say that Thapelo, Shoneez, and Patience have a new found appreciation for history.

Patience and Shoneez ponder the erie silence in West Kensington

Thapelo uses a slow shutter to bring motion into his snapshot as we make our way to gallery@oxo

The Wembley to Soweto exhibition, the reason why we're in London, kicks off tomorrow evening at gallery@oxo

Umuzi learners were reunited with their old friend, Producer David Westhead, and made new friends, like Alan Rickman as he prepares for the premier of Harry Potter

Photos: Thapelo Motsumi

And so it begins

2011-07-05T19:22:00.006+02:00

Umuzi's groundbreaking trip to London is underway. One by one, from Yeoville to Eldorado Park to Orlando East, the learners loaded their luggage into the shuttle and kissed their mothers goodbye... with the exception of Shoneez's mother, who gathered the entire family, 10 members strong, and met us at OR Tambo for a grand farewell. Check back daily for photo essays from the adventure.

Photos: Thapelo Motsumi

Umuzi Takes London

2011-07-01T19:15:00.008+02:00

For the past few years, Umuzi photos have travelled the globe to destinations such as New York City, Antwerp, Melbourne, and London. Now, for the first time, Umuzi photographers have the opportunity to accompany their work.

On Tuesday 5 July, three Umuzi photographers, Shoneez Cassim, Thapelo Motsumi and Patience Ndhlovu, will depart for London to participate in the Wembley to Soweto exhibition, which opens with a gala event at the South Bank’s gallery@Oxo on 7 July.

Wembley to Soweto was a month long project in which eight Umuzi learners received additional photography training during last year’s FIFA World Cup. The project yielded many fond memories, including rubbing elbows with the Black Eyed Peas backstage at Orlando Stadium and meeting the legendary Peter Magubane. Click here to read our blog post from the project wrap-up.

Shoneez, Thapelo and Patience, accompanied by Umuzi staff, will be reunited with actor/producer David Westhead of Wilton Pictures and UK-based photographer John Cole for the exhibition and accompanying events over the course of two weeks.

In addition to exhibiting their work from the World Cup for the first time, they will participate in a variety of exciting skills development activities. At the top of this list is the Conversations for Change (“C4C”) programme sponsored by the Tutu Foundation U.K.. The programme trains youth from diverse backgrounds in conflict-resolution and encourages them to promote peace-building in their communities. The learners will also receive instruction on how to shoot and edit a short film. The C4C programme will provide a unique opportunity for Umuzi learners to engage with peers on a global platform and broaden their skill-set as creative youth activists. We can’t wait to see the results!

If you find yourself in London, please join us at the Wembley to Soweto exhibition opening event on 7 July from 6-9:00pm at the gallery@Oxo or stop by the gallery before 24 July (open 11am to6pm daily). Entry to the gallery is free. Additional information can be found via the Wilton Pictures website.

The journey will be epic, guaranteed. All three youngsters will be reporting back live on their experiences in the U.K. – keep your eye here or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Huge thanks to David Westhead for tirelessly working around the clock to make this dream a reality for these three:

Shonnez

Patience

Thapelo

Post author: Stacey Clark

Preview: Love in the City Youth Day Exhibition

2011-06-08T15:19:00.005+02:00

Inspired to tell the story of love in Johannesburg, Umuzi photographer Thapelo Motsumi set out to capture how people in the city feel about the subject. Thapelo is featuring his first solo exhibition as part of the Urban Art Platform’s YOUTH IN THE CITY three-day festival. For more details follow the link above. Well done Thape!

NYTimes Features Mob Justice in Umuzi Community

2011-06-03T15:28:00.014+02:00

On 02 June, the New York Times published a stunning multimedia piece on mob justice in Diepsloot. The video below is graphic, but not to be missed.

In total, Umuzi has worked with 25 learners from Diepsloot. Last year, ten of them produced a groundbreaking exhibition highlighting service delivery issues in the township.

Umuzi Photo Club, Learner Advocacy Exhibition, Diepsloot Township from Umuzi Photo Club on Vimeo.

Before Umuzi Diepsloot learners decided on service delivery many voiced their unease about crime in their community. It continues to be one of the many issues plaguing this Johannesburg township.

The Citizen profiles Umuzi learners voicing their opinions about teen pregnancy

2011-05-24T10:05:00.003+02:00

Morning Live invites learners to discuss poor township service delivery

2011-05-11T10:57:00.003+02:00

Please tune in to SABC's Morning Live tomorrow morning (12 May) from 6:45am. Catch our very own Umuzi youth activists, Rudzani Matshili and Lawrence Makoti, discussing service delivery inadequacies in Diepsloot Township. We would like to thank SABC and the other news media agencies that we work with for giving our learners a platform to advocate change for their communities.

Umuzi Teen Pregnancy Community Exhibition

2011-04-06T20:52:00.008+02:00

“March 23 was the night of my life.” Nomathemba recalls at the final Umuzi workshop at Barnato Park High School in Hillbrow last Saturday.

The students are on school holidays now, some have gone home and our usually full classroom is reduced to a few enthusiastic learners reflecting on last Wednesday, the night of their community exhibition.

Some learners had never seen a photography exhibition before, they all said they didn’t know what to expect. What they did know: this night was the product of two months of work, dedicated to capturing the causal factors and repercussions of teen pregnancy.

“I never knew I could take a picture like that,” Tebogo explains. It was his first thought when he saw his images on the walls. His eyes are bright now, and he speaks proudly about his photographs, even though capturing them was emotionally draining at times.

The Barnato Park High School exhibition was the culmination of 11 photo-activism workshops geared toward raising social awareness about an issue Umuzi learners were passionate about changing in their community. After learning the basics of photography and story telling, the students decided teen pregnancy was the most pressing issue impacting them.

One of the most striking stories was done by a student named Maisara. She photographed a 17-year-old girl who is now pregnant with her third child, having had her first child when she was 12 years old. Maisara explains that the people who came to the exhibition were shocked she photographed the story she did. She said it was hard to interview her subject, but the girl wanted others to learn from her experience. This young mother was the only one whose face was pictured at the exhibition.

Jimmy Kena photographed a man who wasn’t sure whether he was the father of his ex-girlfriend’s child. The mother claimed he was, but wouldn’t permit a paternity test. Jimmy said his subject was in tears for a lot of the interview because his situation either made him a neglectful father or the financial supporter for someone else’s son.

On the night of the exhibition, Jimmy made a point of showing people around and explaining all of the photographs to them.

“Most people were shocked of what is happening.” Jimmy recalls. “One visitor felt she had no idea this is happening.”

When asked if he thought the message got across, he responds, “Yeah we got it. People were surprised. Most people think it is only dumb kids getting pregnant or getting girls pregnant. It was just wonderful to see that change.”

The exhibition was part of a greater media campaign to raise awareness about teen pregnancy in South Africa. Press who covered the project include: SABC Morning Live, The Times, The Mail and Guardian, Soweto TV, eTV, and SAFM.

Alf Kumalo presented the 10 learners with their Umuzi certificates. A representative from JIKA Properties also presented Barnato Park with a plaque for the classroom JIKA is refurbishing after matching an Umuzi donation to the school.

Thank you to our sponsors, without whom none of it would have been possible:

Investec CSI, Ricoh, JIKA Properties.

Post by: Emily Coppel, Workshop Coordinator

Photos by: Thapelo Motsumi, Umuzi staff photographer

Umuzi featured by the Mail & Guardian

2011-04-06T18:45:00.004+02:00

Many thanks to Lauren Clifford-Holmes of the Mail & Guardian for covering our Teen Pregnancy Awareness Exhibition in Johannesburg CBD. For those of who who missed the exhibition, this audio slide show should give you a good feeling for the event. More community exhibition are on the way so make sure to check back for news.

Alf Kumalo gives learners guidance on photo-activism

2011-03-21T21:34:00.010+02:00

We recently welcomed the legendary Apartheid era photo-activist, Mr. Alf Kumalo, to our workshop to help guide our learners through preparing for their teen pregnancy awareness exhibition this Wendesday.

As per usual, Mr. Kumalo was dynamic and full of youthful energy.

His camera-on-the-head balancing act never gets old. This technique was used to allude police throughout South Africa's darkest years.

Alf's visit was just what we needed to kick-start our learners into activism mode. They have been working tirelessly for several weeks in preparation for their teen pregnancy community exhibition. We hope to see you there.

Please check back for photo essays from the exhibition.

Reminder: Teen pregnancy community exhibition this Wednesday!

2011-03-21T21:06:00.004+02:00

Click here to see a map.

More from Umuzi on Vice

2011-03-15T00:01:00.000+02:00

Check out these awesome shots and interviews by Umuzi photographers Thapelo, Joao and Captain on Vice STYLE. This is seriously hip stuff.

Umuzi receives camera donation from Primedia Broadcasting

2011-03-14T21:38:00.005+02:00

We feel extremely fortunate that our vision is so widely supported by South Africa’s large corporate players. It is with this type of support that our team strives to deliver more impact in the communities that we serve.

This week, South African media giant, Primedia Broadcasting, showed its enthusiasm by donating ten beautiful new digital cameras and tripods.

Our inner city learners took the cameras home over last weekend to complete a their latest homework assignment, which was to capture visual stories about their community. These are some of the photographs that they came up with.

Many thanks to Pippa Rowles and Primedia for your wonderful contribution and continued support. We look forward to pursing more learner activism workshops with our new tools!

Text by Andrew Levy, Photographs from top to bottom by: Tebogo Mabye, Gift Nwokoeie, Tebogo Mabye, Mabli Nkosi, Mabli Moagi, Tebogo Mabye of Barnato Park High School.

Press Release: Hillbrow youth stir teen pregnancy debate with community photography exhibition

2011-03-14T17:34:00.003+02:00

Photographs by: Gift Nwokoeie, Tebogo Mabye and Rirhandzu Mahlalele

Grade 10, Barnato Park High School

Johannesburg, South Africa – On Wednesday 23 March, a group of youth activists from Barnato Park High School in Berea will host a groundbreaking photography exhibition on teen pregnancy in their community, debating the causes and impacts to raise social awareness.

This passionate and creative group of learners are members of the youth advocacy organisation, Umuzi Photo Club. Their aim is to generate debate on this prevalent community issue through an activism campaign, consisting of striking images, street poetry, personal stories and hard-hitting statistics which they hope will capture the imagination of their peers, the community, and the media.

“We impart critical thinking and photography skills to the learners so they can identify and investigate challenging issues like teen pregnancy, and bring them to life for their community” says Emily Coppel, workshop and content manager.

Teen pregnancy shot to national attention after recent reports that over 5,000 schoolgirls in Gauteng alone will give birth in 2011. In addition, many others will seek dangerous alternatives in backstreet abortions, a booming industry, evidenced by the many advertisements on lampposts outside the school’s gates.

The exhibition examines the personal stories behind the statistics, uncovering how the learners’ peers, community, school, government, and cultural beliefs/practices contribute to the alarming number of teenage mothers and what becomes of them and their babies.

“Teen mothers are like children themselves” explains 16-year-old Jimmy Kena, “and we have too many children raising children in this country”.

Umuzi, Zulu for village, is a photography club for high school students in developing communities around South Africa.

“Umuzi Photo Club uses photography to engage young people and fuel creative activism in their communities,” explains David Dini, Umuzi’s founder. “Through a series of workshops we give learners the tools to identify an issue, explore the topic, and tell a compelling story, through photography, to raise awareness and affect change.”

Dates & Hours:

Wednesday, 23 March

17:00 - 20:00

Address:

Barnato Park High School

Cnr Barnato St & Beatrice Ln

Johannesburg 2198

Admission:

Free

Media contacts:

Emily Coppel / coppel.emily@gmail.com / +27 76 917 8042

David Dini / daviddini@gmail.com / +27 73 341 4576

Umuzi featured by China Central Television

2011-03-07T12:06:00.002+02:00

News of our initiative is spreading to the east! Nice one.

Umuzi fashion shoot for VICE Magazine

2011-03-06T20:02:00.002+02:00

Big ups to Chantelle Lue for producing this killer fashion shoot for VICE Magazine and using the services of Umuzi youth photographers Kgaugelo "Captain" Mabjwe, Joao Nzina and Thapelo Motsumi.

New workshops underway

2011-02-20T22:13:00.009+02:00

Photography & youth activism workshops are underway at Barnato Park High School in Hillbrow, an inner-city neighborhood in Johannesburg, with a new group of energetic grade-ten learners.

Learners gather in a circle for an icebreaker exercise in the centre of Barnato's campus. The school is one of the oldest in Johannesburg and is believed to be the largest inner-city school in Southern Africa. We are currently renovating the oldest classroom on campus with proceeds from past exhibitions and a generous contribution from Jika Properties, a socially minded property developer in Johannesburg.

Tebogo is one of our several new learners who pursues acting as a form of personal expression.

An Abasizi (Zulu for "helper") inspires learners with the work of iconic photographers before hitting the streets for a photo walk. We are very proud to welcome new Abasizis, Lavendhri Arumugam, Mary-Ann Palmer and Alex Hing onto the team as facilitators - they all come with rich and highly relevant experience in the creative fields.

Learners split into teams to undertake a photo scavenger hunt. Bafana Bafana is always an easy item to capture in the wake of the FIFA World Cup.

A woman poses for Noma after emerging from one the several local salons with a new style.

An advert offers "free healing to all" on a street corner in Hillbrow. Signs like these are a constant reminder of the stark contradictions that make Johannesburg such a wonderfully dynamic city.

Umuzi commissioned by SA Parliament

2011-02-15T23:29:00.006+02:00

Umuzi youth photographer, Thapelo, and I are thrilled to be in Caledon (one hour outside of Cape Town) and participating in SA Parliament’s Youth Dialogue Forum as official photographers and hosts of a special Umuzi photography exhibition. The week-long forum is part of Parliament’s national youth campaign, called Bokmosa Ba Rona, which in SeTswana means “Our Future”. The forum has united 160 youth delegates from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natel to discuss the challenges that young South Africans confront in their communities. Equally, the forum endeavors to develop feasible interventions that could address these challenges.

Bokamoso ba Rona is a Parliament Millennium Programme campaign (“PMP”). PMP is a nation-building initiative of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The programme seeks to employ creative and interactive means to challenge South Africans to explore the sources of the different perspectives obstructing national building, and forging a common vision for the future.

Today is day two of the event and we are already exhausted! More to come from Thapelo and myself!

Shoot at Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship

2011-02-02T21:57:00.004+02:00

We were invited to attend an event at the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship. Thapelo is quickly developing a taste for photographing celebrities.

New inner city workshops

2011-02-01T09:27:00.010+02:00

We kicked off our 2011 programme last Friday with a recruiting assembly at Barnato Park High School in inner city Johannesburg. Following the successful roll out of our new activism workshops last year in Diepsloot (JHB) and Nyanga township (CT), we are excited to continue with this high impact curriculum. After presenting the opportunity to join Umuzi Photo Club to an auditorium full of prospective learners, we were overwhelmed by a frenzy of eager hands grabbing for applications. Interviews start Friday.

*center photo by Thapelo Motsumi

BBC radio covers Diepsloot community exhibition

2011-01-26T10:20:00.005+02:00

Thanks to Nomsa Maskeo of the BBC for this brilliant piece of journalism on our recent Diepsloot learner advocacy exhibition.

The below article from the Star was printed yesterday and details some of the issues currently facing this community. It's worth reading as it provides a sense of the brutal nature of township dwelling.

Umuzi youth photographers shoot for enke

2011-01-23T21:13:00.006+02:00

Last July, Umuzi youth photographers were commissioned to photograph enke's 2010 youth forum. As an education-based and social networking initiative, enke strives to reduce inequality in South Africa by connecting across social divides and equipping and inspiring young people to take control of their futures. We were honoured to participate in such a forward thinking initiative. Many thanks to Pip Wheaton, Executive Director, for believing in our young photographers and giving them the gig!

Please check out this audio slide show, produced by Umuzi staffer, the prolific Emily Coppel, to learn more about enke and to see some photography from the event.

Letters from the Mother City: Nkosi kakhulu Cape Town*

2011-01-17T20:45:00.008+02:00

We have spent just short of two months in Cape Town, the Mother City, and concluded a hugely successful set of workshops with a brilliant community exhibition, in Nyanga.

Through our photography activist workshops, Nyanga’s learners identified two social issues in their community – housing and gangsterism. Our learners worked tirelessly to capture all angles of both issues, from their own perspective. Both learners and Umuzi abasizi’s (helpers) now share a deeper appreciation for some of the challenges faced in Nyanga, and many of South Africa’s developing communities.

The workshops culminated in a community exhibition, held on a beautiful sunny Saturday. Around 200 community members congregated at Etafeni community centre, to show their support for the incredible work the Nyanga learners produced, and discuss housing and gangsterism. The learners began the day kitted out in Umuzi attire, dancing to a swinging marimba band, which got everyone in the mood. Siki, an Umuzi learner, welcomed the community attendees, in perfect Xhosa, before the learners proudly received their certificates and congratulations on completing the Umuzi programme.

The exhibition was a major celebration of the hard work all the stakeholders put in. Many thanks must go to all our partners, including Etafeni community centre, who helped to make the Umuzi Cape Town Pilot such a success. Thank you specifically to the trustees, Luvuyo, Vuyo, Jackson, Ernest, and all the Etafeni staff members, for making our stay such an unbelievable experience. Our good Friends in the Cape Town branch of Ricoh, lead by Bill Nosworthy and supported by John de Beer, came to the party, again, and provided all the printing. George Hallet – personal photographer to Mandela – was very generous with his time, and inspired our learners to become the best photographers they could be.

A big thanks must also go to the young, passionate, Umuzi volunteer team of Abasizis: Adriana Roos, Bryony Rhodes, Clint O'Brien, Crystal O'Brien, Merel Niehorster, Nina Putz, Olivia Bouwer, Roanna Verrinder and Philip Gobbler. They poured days into making Nyanga’s workshops and exhibition a stellar success. The learners have valuable role models in these awesome people, and hopefully these relationships will continue.

Lastly, a big thank you to Nina Hanedoes (workshop coordinator and Umuzi’s Cape Town administrator), Nicola Hemmes (professional photographer and curator of the exhibition), and Kim Whitaker (organiser of the Umuzi outing and designer of the Umuzi attire). Without your ideas, effort, commitment, and continuous hours of hard work, we could not have pulled off the magic we did.

The future of Umuzi in Cape Town looks incredibly bright. Look out for details of our Cape Town exhibition in 2011, and more from the Mother City, in the near future.

*Xhosa for thank you very much

Text and photographs by Andrew Levy

Umuzi hosts youth advocacy exhibition in Diepsloot

2011-01-16T21:25:00.007+02:00

Umuzi Photo Club learners from Kwena Molapo High School recently hosted Umuzi’s very first community awareness and advocacy exhibition at the youth centre in Diepsloot Township. The exhibition was the culmination of a ten-workshop training programme in which our young students learned about photography, visual story telling, and creative activism. After identifying the lack of basic services (in this case: sanitation, clean water and electricity) as the root cause to many of the township’s broader issues, they diligently pursued the streets to capture visual and oral testimonies with the ultimate goal of engaging their neighbors, local government and the international press through a public exhibition.

Many of our visitors commented that our learners’ approach to activism was unique in that it was peaceful, creative and engaging, a sharp deviation from traditional forms of township protest. True that.

We are now in the process of petitioning local government with the signatures that our learners gathered during their exhibition. We expect this to be somewhat of a process but please stay tuned for updates.

Please check out the audio slide show (above), created by our very own Emily Coppel, to learn more about this empowering afternoon in Diepsloot.

Many thanks to John de Beer and Sello Letjala of Ricoh for sponsoring the printing as well as Malcolm Mycroft of Pick n Pay for sponsoring the refreshments! Also, a big thanks to Sizwe Mkhize for bringing the beats and Kweku Mandela for your patronage. We couldn’t achieve nearly as much if it weren’t for forward thinkers like you. Thank you.

Letters from the Mother City: George Hallett rocks Umuzi

2010-12-26T19:05:00.011+02:00

We recently had the incredibly talented and animated photographer George Hallett come to Etafeni to lead a workshop.

George is world renowned for his work as one of Nelson Mandela’s official photographers from when he took office in 1994. He also played an important role in documenting the Truth and Reconciliation Commssion proceedings after the abolition of Apartheid.

Hallett was born in Hout Bay, Cape Town, and as a young man taught himself photography, beginning his career as a street photographer. After establishing close relationships with writers and artists, he gave up his clerical job to become a staff photographer for a local newspaper. Hallett is famous for documenting District Six, an area of Cape Town that was declared whites only, forcing all black residents to be removed. George was one of the many South Africans who fled the country and lived in exile until democracy in 1994.

By taking us through his latest collection of work, which depicts the plight of women and their role in society, George provided our learners with a unique perspective on photography. Through his quirky mannerisms he showed us how not to impose ourselves as photographers, but to rather be quiet observers.

Thank you George for taking the time to meet with our learners and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Text and photographs by Andrew Levy

Happy Festive Season from Umuzi Photo Club

2010-12-24T18:27:00.004+02:00

Seasons greetings from our Nyanga learners in Cape Town.

Photo by Andrew Levy

Umuzi & The Wembley to Soweto Project

2010-12-22T15:46:00.009+02:00

Last Friday marked the end of an Umuzi collaboration with Wembley to Soweto - a documentary film project that started in May 2010, focused around the Fifa World Cup, held in South Africa earlier this year.

Actor/producer David Westhead contacted the Umuzi Photo Club last May about holding several workshops for Umuzi students with professional UK-based photographer John Cole. Over four weeks, before and during the soccer World Cup, John met with a group of eight Umuzi students, teaching them how to ‘feed their families with their cameras.’

Over the course of the workshops, South Africa’s Paperpush Productions filmed the project. The resulting documentary premiered at the British Film Institute’s We the Peoples Film Festival on November 27th. To Umuzi’s delight, the film took home The People’s Film Festival Audience Award.

David Westhead returned to Johannesburg last week to present the award to the Gauteng Film Commission and Paperpush Productions.

The film is centered around an iconic photograph that John Cole took during a concert in 1988, when 80,000 people gathered at Wembley stadium, in the UK, to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday, demand his release from prison, and an end to apartheid. The photograph now hangs in Madiba’s home. At the award ceremony, David Westhead also presented protest writer Mtutuzeli Matshoba with a matching photograph that Umuzi Photo Club’s Siyabonga Sepotokele took at the Soccer City Stadium during the kick-off concert of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Matshoba will pass the photo on to Mr Mandela for it to hang next to its counterpart, a huge honor for all parties involved in this project.

Umuzi would like to thank everyone, including Wembley to Soweto and Paperpush Productions, for giving our students such a valuable opportunity. Follow this link to view the trailer to the documentary film, Wembley to Soweto.

written by Emily Coppel of Umuzi Photo Club, Photo by Thapelo Matsumi

Thank you New York City

2010-12-15T21:00:00.004+02:00

Last Thursday we held our fifth exhibition of the year at the powerHouse Arena in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Despite the below freezing temperatures, the long walk to the gallery from the A and F trains, and the numerous corporate holiday parties occurring at the same time, we welcomed a large contingent of supporters to our opening reception. In July 2009, we held our debut exhibition as Umuzi Photo Club just down the road, and in just one and a half year’s time, the prevailing comment from our repeat patrons was the quality of the photographs have improved significantly. I attribute this to the tightening of our curriculum and the use of digital cameras. Shaweeet!

Our international exhibitions provide a unique opportunity for our learners to showcase their work to people they would not normally have access to and to realise the financial value of their photography through the sale of their images. Proceeds from print sales are reinvested into the organisation to run more workshops and to support our young photographers in becoming entrepreneurs.

As always, our exhibitions are the product of an immensely collective effort. We would like to give thanks to our producer Hadi Sattari for bringing together an amazing show and for personally financing the exhibition space – you are a legend my old friend. Many thanks to Craig of powerHouse Arena for your hospitality and being flexible with our setup times. Thanks to Daphne and Josh from Bierkraft for the gift certificate and the tasty home brew beer. Thanks to Frameworks New York for so beautifully framing our raffle print. Thanks to UNICEF for providing content for our multimedia presentation. Thanks to our volunteers Emilia Arestegui, Mateo Prendergast, Jason Grenig, Rebecca Hochrein, Laura Budde, and Ettie Philitas for helping on the evening with fundraising. Lastly, thanks to our New York patrons and beyond for your continued support - all proceeds raised will fund new workshops in 2011.

Believe it or not, this was not our final exhibition for the year. Our pilot workshops in Nyanga Cape Town are concluding with a youth activism community exhibition in the township this Saturday. Check back for commentary from that initiative.

Learner Snapshot: Nyanga Workshops

2010-12-13T05:16:00.003+02:00

Child-hoods by: Lunga Mafonqosi, age 17

Letters from the Mother City: Nyanga’s housing paradox

2010-12-08T07:43:00.009+02:00

Last week we met the new learners of our Cape Town pilot workshops, and introduced them to what they will be doing over the next three weeks in our intensive Photography Advocacy workshops. Today is our first “content” workshop.The learners are wearing big smiles and showing a little anxiety; our Abasizis (volunteer “helpers”) are pumped to get underway. After we break the ice with a game, the learners take their seats, ready to explore photography as a tool for raising social awareness and effecting positive change in Nyanga, their developing community.

After some initial hesitation from the learners, ideas begin to emerge on what themes we might explore today on our photo walk in the community. Developing critical thinking skills is a key objective of Umuzi’s, and it’s rewarding to see howa little prodding and a candy incentive can spark thoughtful discussion amongst the learners and volunteers.

As anticipated, the needs of the community in Nyanga, Cape Town, are similar to those we’ve already explored in Diepsloot, Soweto, and Hilbrow, in Johannesburg, but set in a unique context. Early on it emerges that at present, in Nyanga, there is a shortage of adequate housing. The government is investing to build low cost homes and small pockets of colourful, low cost builds can be seen sprouting up all over the township. On the surface this seems like a rare example of successful service delivery, but row upon row of completed houses sit empty. Today our learners are digging beneath the surface to get the inside scoop on Nyanga’s housing paradox.

On today’s photo walk, we venture into the eerily quiet suburb of abandoned new housing, and encounter some locals. Talking Xhosa, and relaying to us in English, our learners put their investigative journalist skills to the test.

The scoop: there’s a conflict quietly rumbling between the “Back Yarders” and the “East Borners”. The Back Yarders were born and bred here. Living in the densely packed yards of more formal dwellings, they have little privacy from prying neighbours and little patience for outsiders. These long-term residents are increasingly frustrated at their needs coming second to those of more recent township arrivals, like the East Borners. “East Borners” is a common term for those who have followed the bright lights from their homes in the rural Eastern Cape, to the outskirts of Cape Town, to find work, and what they hope will be, a better way of life. Used to living off the land without running water or electricity, the East Borners seek shelter on the periphery of Nyanga, in a chaotic ramshackle of corrugated iron, scavenged wood, and plastic sheeting.

Apparently, government, in an attempt to meet the increasing housing needs of this ever expanding informal settlement, has resettled the East Borners in new, low cost housing. But home-grown Backyarders get very angry if they perceive recent arrivals are receiving any favours, and sporadically, violent clashes have erupted across the township. Intimidated, East Borners have vacated the new houses, leaving them vacant.

Today street upon street of these low cost houses sit empty, ghost roads in an informal settlement with a desperate shortage of housing.

Through photo walks like today’s, our learners are gradually pealing back the layers of Cape Town’s complex character. With sharpened critical minds and eyes, they are raising their own awareness of their community’s issues, as well as ours.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of Umuzi in Cape Town.

Text by Andrew Levy, Image by Vuyisa & Siki

Learner Snapshot: Nyanga Workshops

2010-11-30T05:06:00.004+02:00

Streets of Summer by: Vuyelwa Molaka, age 17

Letters from the Mother City: and so it begins...

2010-11-27T17:07:00.008+02:00

Molweni instead of Sawubona ("hello"), Nkosi instead of Ngiyabonga ("thank you"). There's something different in the room today, but in this new city, Umuzi continues to find normality in it's townships. As the Southeasterly winds slow to a standstill and the air grows hot, the Chisa nyama still burns, township dwellers still meet on street corners to discuss their day, and the kids have a burning desire to learn.

December sees Umuzi extend its footprint into the beautiful and diverse city of Cape Town. The city has an intricate and complex political history that makes for more of a soap opera than a historical tale. Umuzi’s first community in Cape Town is a humble little place called Nyanga. Located just North of the airport, Nyanga means “moon” in Xhosa. This place has a unique feel, different from the Jo’burg townships I’ve grown accustomed to.

Today, as the Abasizis arrived followed shortly thereafter by the learners, our language was different but our goals were still the same: to raise social awareness through the medium of photography. These learners will be documenting complex social issues that we have grown accustomed to in Johannesburg as well as issues that are endemic to their community; Nyanga after all does have the notorious reputation of being the most dangerous township in South Africa.

Our aim is to pilot workshops in another city. Our goal is to identify and bring to light some of the social tragedies that unfold just behind Table Mountain’s serene shadow.

This is our beginning in a new South African city and these are the stories. Look out soon for more from our learners.

Text and photographs by Andrew Levy

New pilot workshops in Nyanga, Cape Town

2010-11-25T22:51:00.007+02:00

It is with great excitement that we announce yet another Umuzi Photo Club first: pilot workshops in Cape Town, “The Mother City.” After a rigorous curriculum development process in our home city of Johannesburg, we are ready to test our workshop programme in other locations with new facilitators, or in Umuzi-speak, “abasizis”, which is Zulu for “helpers”. With this initiative we come one step closer to Umuzi’s quest for world domination! I’m just joking of course, but we do ultimately hope to provide our unique youth development programme to underserved communities across the country, and this December’s Cape Town pursuits will test our team’s ability to replicate. Exciting times.

Newly appointed programme coordinator, Nina Hanedoes, and Umuzi veteran Andrew Levy will lead a new team of abasizis in rolling out the workshops. Nina’s current role in community development at the University of Stellenbosch and Andrew’s community involvement throughout his University of Cape Town days has placed us ahead of the learning curve as we undertake the pilot project.

We will work with learners in Nyanga, one of Cape Town’s oldest townships, at Etafeni, an inspiring grass roots community centre that supports the township in caring for its numerous children affected by HIV/AIDS, among other initiatives.

Andrew will be providing both visual and written commentary from the workshops in what we’re calling “Letters from the Mother City”. Stay tuned for the updates. These workshops will also bear two exhibitions – one that is community based in mid December, and one that will occur in central Cape Town in the beginning of 2011. Make sure to check back for the dates!

To our US readers and beyond, Happy Thanksgiving!

Umuzi photographer, Siyabonga Sepotokele, accepted to St. David’s on full scholarship

2010-11-24T18:04:00.003+02:00

We are delighted to announce that St. David’s Marist Inanda, a prominent Johannesburg based private high school, has accepted star Umuzi photographer, Siyabonga Sepotokele, into it’s foundation programme on a full scholarship to pursue his high school education. At the young age of 15, Siya is a star pupil, student body president of Zifuneleni Junior Secondary School in Soweto, and an active member of two celebrated Soweto choirs. Siya has demonstrated a strong desire to excel in his academics and we couldn’t think of a more deserving learner.

As proud “Old Boys” of St. David’s, this news is especially meaningful to Umuzi Boys Andrew Levy and Gilbert Pooley. Siya will wear the same crest on his blazer, walk the same halls, and even receive tuition from the same educators as Andrew and Gilbert. How sweet is that?

Malcolm Williams, St. David’s headmaster, said: “We look forward to having Siyabonga at the College, and to you joining the St David’s Marist family. Siyabonga is an impressive young man and is well deserving of this opportunity. We hope that your association with St David’s will continue to be a fruitful and happy one.”

On behalf of our staff and our communities, we want to congratulate Siyabonga for a job well done! We would also like to extend a massive thank you to Malcolm William, Mike Greeff, Lara Klement, and Belinda Marais of St. Davids for making this dream a reality. Also, a big thank you to the London Old Boys for supporting Siya's academic endeavors. I'm confident that in 20 years we're going to be able to proudly say "we know that guy!".

Starting in January you can track Siya’s progress on our blog. Yebo.

St. David's picturesque campus has produced several of South Africa's thought leaders.

Marist boys Andrew, Siyabonga, and Gilbert jumping with enthusiasm after handing Siya his acceptance letter outside of his home in Soweto.

NYC, here we come!

2010-11-19T13:05:00.005+02:00

Click here for the official invite. See you there.

Interview with Umuzi photographer, Betty Kajeko, on lovelife.org.za

2010-11-17T15:29:00.008+02:00

Check out this very cool interview with Betty Kajeko, one of our talented photographers from Kwena Molapo High School, on Love Life.

Child Protection & Trafficking Exhibition by Media Monitoring Africa

2010-11-15T14:37:00.000+02:00

I urge you to show your support and check out this inspiring photography exhibition by Melanie Hamman & Media Monitoring Africa on child protection and trafficking. Umuzi is proud to contribute a selection of work by our budding township photographers to the exhibition. The show opens on 17 November and runs through 1 December at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Apartheid era human rights advocate, George Bizos, will be opening the event. For more information, please visit Media Monitoring Africa's website. Yebo yes.

Map to Diepsloot Exhibition

2010-10-13T19:54:00.002+02:00

Saturday is drawing closer and the hype is taking off - this is going to be our best show yet.

Press Release: Umuzi petitions Parliament for basic services in Diepsloot

2010-10-06T09:47:00.009+02:00

Petition part of campaign by Diepsloot youth photographer-advocates

A burst pipe leaves a hazardous reflection pool in Diepsloot’s notorious extension one. Photo: Beauty Mokwena, Grade 10, Kwena Molapo High School

Umuzi Photo Club’s most compelling images, captured by youth advocates from Diepsloot Township, will be on displayed at a special community exhibition at the Diepsloot Youth Centre on 16 October 2010. The event marks the start of the photo club’s campaign to petition Parliament for improved service delivery in this, one of Johannesburg’s poorest communities. The campaign is lead by the young, photographer-activist members of Umuzi, who have formed a grass-roots movement to improve their township community. Special guests of the exhibition include iconic Apartheid era photographer, Alf Kumalo, who helped to train the young photographers.

The images on display will have a particular focus on the chronic lack of basic services in the community, such as access to clean and reliable sources of water, adequate sanitation, and electricity. The exhibition and campaign is the result of several weeks of photographic training learners from local high school, Kwena Molapo, have received, in a collaborative process of exploring and documenting community issues, through photography, facilitated by Umuzi Photo Club.

Umuzi, Zulu for village, is a photography club for primary and secondary school learners in Johannesburg’s developing communities. The organisation promotes photography as a creative means for raising social awareness and initiating positive community change.

Through their images, underprivileged young people are able to tell their stories to members of their communities. “Our goal is to empower these young South Africans with the means to not only engage in creative activities, but to apply their newly acquired skills to participate in important community dialogues” explains David Dini, Founder and Executive Director.

Umuzi Photo Club was founded in January 2009 and is run by young professionals from the fields of finance, banking, law and consulting on a voluntary basis. The volunteers provide biweekly workshops for primary and secondary school learners, empowering them with the skills of photography while promoting artistic self-expression and critical thinking as a means to raising social awareness. Since its start, the photo club has worked with four schools, providing 50 workshops to over 60 budding photographers. Schools that lack basic infrastructure and the resources to provide individual attention, art classes or extracurricular activities are targeted. Learners who show exceptional promise are channelled into the club’s Leadership Through Photography Programme, which exposes them to professional photography training and opportunities to shadow professional photographers with the view to developing themselves as artists, journalists, and photographic entrepreneurs.

“Our petition to parliament will be especially unique as it is being assembled by our high school learners themselves” says Andrew Levy, Co-director, Umuzi Photo Club. “We hope that with Parliament’s expressed interest in raising youth participation, that this initiative will receive the attention that it deserves.”

Community exhibition details:

When?

Saturday, 16 October, 2010 / 12:00 - 16:00

Where?

Diepsloot Youth Centre

Stand 383 Main Road

Extension 2

For media inquiries, please contact: Celine de Canha | Umuzi Public Relations | 082 926 8292| cdecanha@gmail.com

Alf Kumalo leads Umuzi workshop

2010-09-24T22:32:00.013+02:00

A true man of his word, we recently welcomed the venerated Mr. Alf Kumalo to our afterschool workshop at Kwena Molapo High School for an inspiring discussion about his experiences over the past 60 years as a South African photojournalist.

Perseverance was Mr. Kumalo’s credo. Despite his impossible odds, despite the police beatings and detentions, despite the sabotage attempts by trusted colleagues, the man riotously emerged as one of the most celebrated photojournalists of his time.

The entire classroom shared the same feelings of deep admiration and respect as we listened to Mr. Kumalo's life story.

Mr. Kumalo came prepared with his four published photography books, including his latest book, 8115, A Prisoner's Home, which documents the domestic life of the Mandela family from the 60's to the 90's.

Mr. Kumalo displaying one of his fondest memories: Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton at the White House shortly after South Africa's first democratic elections.

At 80 years young, Mr. Kumalo is as energetic as ever and proved so by balancing his 5kg Nikon over his head to demonstrate his tactics for covert photography during his struggle against Apartheid. A collective sigh was released when he removed the camera.

Mr. Kumalo's discussion marked the beginning of our activism workshops with our learners at Kwena Molapo High School. Satuday's workshop will be spent capturing photographs for their community awareness exhibition in Diepsloot Township this October.

Just when we thought Mr. Kumalo couldn't be any more of a legend, he disappeared to his car and reemerged with a massive canvas print of himself with Nelson Mandela before the World Cup kickoff in June. Viva Alf! Viva Madiba!

Umuzi contributes 150 chairs to Zifuneleni Junior Secondary School, Soweto

2010-09-19T22:37:00.013+02:00

We are proud to announce that we successfully purchased and delivered 150 new chairs to Zifuneleni Junior Secondary School as part of our partner school development programme for 2010.

Located in Orlando East, Soweto, Zifuneleni educates learners from grades seven to nine. Of the over 850 young people who attend the school, 80% are from severely impoverished households, too poor to afford school fees. The school runs a feeding scheme for its students to which the principal and teaching staff make personal contributions.

We funded the contribution with proceeds from both our international and local fundraising exhibitions in 2010, which showcased the photographic works of our learners from the school.

The decision to purchase the chairs was made by our learners and approved by the school’s teaching staff. Their decision was based on concerns over inadequate seating at the school. A combination of its rapidly growing student body and its lack of resources has left the school with significantly fewer chairs than learners. Learners at the school are accustomed to carrying chairs with themselves from classroom to classroom and it was common for altercations to arise over the insufficient seating. Our learners were determined to alleviate this very basic, yet fundamental issue for their peers.

We recently held a dedication ceremony at the school to award certificates to the learners and to honour them for their hard work. Siyabonga, Umuzi member, star pupil and student body president, delivered a powerful speech on the topic of photography as a powerful medium for raising social awareness. Mission accomplished.

With this contribution, and a few others in the pipeline, our workshop model for 2009/2010 is coming full circle. For you newcomers to the blog, our first several sets of workshops followed the same model:

We identify a school that lacks basic resources
We empower learners at the school with photography and critical thinking skills through a series of highly interactive workshops
We host fundraising exhibitions to showcase their works, providing a platform for our young photographers to realise both the social and economic value of their images
We facilitate an opportunity for the learners to collectively decide on how to most effectively put the exhibition proceeds to work at their school

We are currently busy piloting a new workshop model grounded in learner activism in Diepsloot township which we hope to roll out in 2011. More details to come! Make the circle bigger…

Umuzi & the legendary Alf Kumalo

2010-09-08T20:07:00.011+02:00

Photo: Alf Kumalo*

We had the honour of meeting Mr. Alf Kumalo, the legendary apartheid era photographer, at his galley in Soweto. From the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 1980’s state of emergency events to South Africa’s first democratic elections and the inauguration of President Mandela, this is one of those guys who has “seen it all”, but first hand through the viewfinder of his camera. When speaking to him, he even reminisced about the close relationship he formed with Muhammad Ali through the course of photographing his boxing matches, including The Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire (today’s, Democratic Republic of the Congo).

After attending our Johannesburg exhibition in June and hearing about what we aspire to achieve with our organisation, Mr. Kumalo has kindly agreed to lead one of our latest Diepsloot workshops and to address our learners about his long career as a socially minded photographer. We salute you Mr. Kumalo!

Alf and Andrew (Umuzi co-director) exchanging stories about their very different experiences in Soweto

Alf and Umuzi staff pose for a snapshot at Alf's gallery

*It is impossible to find Alf Kumalo photographs on the web. This is the best I could do. The image is of an energetic Nelson Mandela during the 1963 Rivonia Trial in Johannesburg. Interestingly, it's signed by former South African President, Thabo Mbeki.

Umuzi's Melbourne Exhibition

2010-09-05T22:30:00.005+02:00

Sky's the limit by: Joao Nzina, Grade 11, Hillbrow

Many thanks to William Moore and his team at Monash University for graciously including Umuzi in their next Education Matters event, Epiphany and Periphery: An Evening of African Art and Charity Auction. Proceeds generated by the auctioning of our learners' photographs will be placed into a tertiary education fund for Umuzi learners. If you know anyone in Melbourne, please do send the event details through to them. Yebo.

About the event (from Monash's website):

Cause: The Monash University Fund for Education in Southern Africa (MUFESA) - this event is being held to raise money for the Monash University Fund for Education in Southern Africa (MUFESA). The fund was created to generate educational opportunities for Southern African students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to having an impact in Africa. MUFESA also supports education and community engagement projects that focus on the education, health and well being of disadvantaged communities in Southern Africa.

For more information click here. It's a free event, but registration is required.

After the strike: Where to?

2010-08-13T10:28:00.003+02:00

Mail & Guardian: Now that we have embarked on a great public sector strike led by teachers, it is time to assess not what was achieved -- for that is primarily a labour relations matter -- but the damage and impact on education. Read the article.

Back to Kwena Molapo High School

2010-08-10T08:26:00.014+02:00

Last Friday, despite our completely botched attempt to show a promotional dvd due to audio/visual complications, we successfully held our first Umuzi assembly at Kwena Molapo High School out by Diepsloot. We did however manage to articulate our vision to a packed hall of a couple hundred grade 10 learners. We explained that we are seeking ten highly motivated learners who want to learn photography and who desire to bring positive change to their communities within Diepsloot. Our selection process involves an application and a teacher’s assessment. Candidates have until tomorrow to drop their applications off with Principal Malingana in order to be considered for our next round of 10 workshops.

Principal Malingana is a legend. Remember his name.

While on the topic of Diepsloot Township, I wanted to bring your attention to a very powerful piece of journalism. I urge you to read the following article published by the New York Times last year on the fledgling township: Constant Fear and Mob Rule in South Africa Slum. Make sure to watch the short video AND flip through the slide show by clicking on the photo below.

Photo: Benedicte Kurzen/VII Mentor, for The New York Times

To most of the learners at Kwena Molapo High School, Diepsloot is home, including one of our most talented learners, Captain. In a couple of weeks time, we will begin running our next series of workshops out of a community centre in the township. We plan to rollout a new curriculum with these learners that is far more deeply rooted in advocacy. More details to come.

Joao & Thapelo & CODP

2010-08-09T20:01:00.005+02:00

Joao and Thapelo, members of our Learner Development Programme, finished their second course at the College of Digital Photography today. The course focused solely on studio photography which was an all new concept for the guys who are more accustomed to shooting (with their cameras) the streets of inner-city Johannesburg. Thapelo said "you get to make your own decisions in the studio which is different from when you're on the street... you can't tell the sun to move left and right."

Ngiyabonga to instructors Paul and Carl at the College for making room in your classes form these guys.

Umuzi is officially a Public Benefit Organisation

2010-08-07T18:25:00.008+02:00

Umuzi Photo Club is at last a registered Public Benefit Organisation ("PBO"). Being a PBO has many perks, one of which is tax benefits for both ourselves and our financial supporters.

I lifted the following from the Tax Exemption Guide for PBOs in South Africa, which I keep on my bedside table:

"Non-profit organisations play a significant role in society as they undertake a shared responsibility for the social and development needs of the country thereby relieving the financial burden, which otherwise falls on the State. Tax benefits are designed to assist non-profit organisations by augmenting their financial resources and providing them with an enabling environment in which to achieve their objectives."

To that I say thank you South African Revenue Services!

But the real thank you goes to Claire Franklyn and Nikki Stein of Bowman Gilfillan for working so diligently, on a pro bono basis, to make our NPO status a reality. Thank you both for your tireless efforts.

*Photo credit: Joao Nzina, Grade 11, Hillbrow

2010 Exhibition season in review

2010-08-03T21:12:00.022+02:00

Forward: This post comes a little late (ok, maybe more than a little) but it's still highly relevant! 2010 has been a very active year of hosting fundraising exhibitions both at home and abroad...

Rewind back to May: We held our debut fundraising exhibition in Europe at Idea Generation Gallery in Shoreditch, London. The show was well-attended and received solid media coverage by the likes of the Guardian and the Telegraph.

A group of patrons take a closer look at a grid of learner photographs. Many comment on the emotional connections they make with the images, which are deeply personal and introduce viewers to our learners’ family traditions and ceremonies, as well as their games, aspirations, and the reality of their lives.

A solid expat community of South Africans arrived to show their support. Others were drawn to the event out of interest in South Africa, which has reentered the international arena after winning its bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Rewind back to June: We hosted our second fundraising exhibition at 44 Stanley Avenue in Johannesburg. The exhibition ran for the duration of the FIFA World Cup and was thus appreciated by patrons from the world over.

Apart from being talented photographers, many of our learners are also gifted choir singers. They gave a spontaneous performance to a full house.

By participating in our Johannesburg exhibitions, our learners realise the social and financial value of their work. We hope to one day fly a few of them to our shows abroad.

Rewind back to July: We packed up Johannesburg and shipped the entire show to Antwerp, Belgium for our third fundraising exhibition of the year at Designcenter de Winkelhaak. I would like to thank Belgium customs for levying that handsome import duty, you're welcome.

The show runs through 20 August so if missed London and Joburg, maybe catch a flight to Antwerp?

We are indebted to our generous sponsors and our army of dedicated volunteers whom without our exhibitions wouldn’t be possible. To speak personally for a moment, I am indebted to my co-directors Gilbert Pooley and Andrew Levy for the slave labour you gents endure.

In London, our gracious hosts for the event were the Idea Generation Gallery, the UK’s largest Arts, cultural, and entertainment PR agency. Thank you in particular to Eloise Rowley and Rachel Wood. Thank you to Redemption Brewing Company and Windhoek Lager for supplying the beverages. The delicious and nutritious snacks were courtesy of Room Service and Kasturi, thank you. The auction prints were artfully framed by Richard Dawes, Frontispiece, and Art and Soul, thank you too! Lastly but certainly not least, big thanks to our co-producer and PR coordinator Kirstin Knight as well as Heidi Kikoler, Oliver Brain, Ivanka Bloom, Bridget Boulle, Davina Mendelsohn, Leigh Wallett, Sylvia Clow-Wilson, Asher Ismail, and Eduardo Rodriguez for rolling your sleeves up and getting involved.

In Johannesburg, many thanks to our hosts, 44 Stanley, for your continuous support. In particular thank you Brian Green for allowing us to turn yet another space into an impromptu art gallery. Thanks to SAB for providing the beverages and Pick n' Pay for more beverages and snacks. Thank you Silvertone International for the wonderful prints and Frame Talk for the beautiful framing job. Thank you Lighting Warehouse for setting the mood with the beautiful ambient lighting. Thank you Berco Express for carefully delivering the print orders to our patrons. Thank you Flaming Eagle Advertising and Xanadu Printing for sponsoring our beautiful greetings cards. Thanks to Alex Donaldson for bringing the beats. BIG thanks to the legendary Alf Kumalo for gracing us with your presence and bringing along a signed copy of your latest book "Through My Lens" to be raffled. Thanks to Riaan Manser for coming through to give an incredible talk on courage and perseverance. And yes, yes, yes, lastly but not least, big thanks to our co-producer Adrian Goeller, our PR Manager Celine de Canha, and Umuzi staffers & volunteers, Stacey Clark, Kim Richards, Emily Coppel, JJ Maia, and David Dias.

In Antwerp, dank u Designcenter De Winkelhaak for generously hosting the exhibtion. Also many thanks to Sofie Geerts, Bert Geerts, Nathalie Swinnen and Ivanka Bloom for helping the show get up and running.

AND LASTLY, thank you to own wonderful patron community for your generous support. For those of you who follow Umuzi from the U.S., stay tuned for a show this December in the big apple.

Portfolio building at Zifuneleni

2010-08-01T22:03:00.011+02:00

At Umuzi Photo Club, a series of workshops ends with a portfolio building session. At Zifuneleni Junior Secondary school we spent Saturday morning helping our learners archive their final year as kids. Next year they enter high school.

Their snapshots give a uniquely intimate glimpse into each other's lives. The learners leave our workshops having made solid connections with new friends.

Mpho Masitenyahne adorned her portfolio with inspirational sayings. Upon googling the above, I found she quoted Eleanor Roosevelt.

Christopher Mashele laughs at his sisters unnatural pose.

We conduct exit interviews for monitoring & evaluation purposes. The learners voice their opinions which help us to improve our curriculum. They also dig seeing themselves on video.

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After the workshop Captain leads us on a photo walk.

Umuzi Funding Announcement

2010-07-14T23:35:00.011+02:00

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce Investec Bank has generously awarded Umuzi Photo Club with grant funding as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Investment ("CSI") initiative. The funding will be utilised to purchase much-needed assets as well as to fund day-to-day operations, allowing us to grow the scope of our organisation.

Investec CSI has a commendable history of funding organisations that engage local communities in social development activities, while placing a strong emphasis on education and entrepreneurship. For this reason we are thrilled to receive direct support from such a well-respected and socially responsible organisation.

Setlogane Manchidi, the head of Investec CSI said: "We (Investec) trust the wonderful work that Umuzi Photo Club has done to date will continue to grow and build a better future for the children of South Africa."

On behalf of the Umuzi team and our communities, thank you Setlogane and Linsey Sherman, also of Investec CSI, for believing in our initiative.

New Umuzi Web Gallery

2010-07-14T18:26:00.003+02:00

At long last we're set up a more dynamic way of viewing our learners' images online. Please check back periodically for new works and as always if you see anything you like or have any questions about, leave a comment! - our learners love to hear your feedback. Click here to view the web gallery or the "Photography" link under "Navigate" to the right margin of the site.

Umuzi featured on eNews Africa

2010-07-13T21:59:00.006+02:00

Many thanks Bazukile for featuring Umuzi on eNews Africa. We are continually impressed by Thapelo's ability to express himself with his photographs and with his very poetic words.

Umuzi featured in Business Day's WANTED Magazine

2010-07-11T14:40:00.009+02:00

We would like to extend a big thank you to Helene Smuts for this very cool print media piece in Business Day's July issue of WANTED magazine. Congrats to Joao for the image credit.

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Umuzi featured by unicef Television

2010-06-21T21:40:00.010+02:00

Umuzi in the Mail & Guardian

2010-06-17T23:59:00.005+02:00

Hats off to Hannah Rappley and Aaron Adler of the Mail & Guardian for this awesome audio slide show. We're thrilled to have such a powerful piece of media on Umuzi.

Apologies for being delinquent on the blog! We've been VERY busy and now there's a great deal to catch you up on so check back for posts from our London and Johannesburg exhibitions, our NGO status, our learners' participation in some FIFA events, and the receipt of our first major grant funding. Vivi Bafana Bafana!

Umuzi featured by unicef!

2010-06-09T08:33:00.007+02:00

Developing vision: Young people in South Africa photograph their communities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 8 June 2010 - Across some of South Africa’s most impoverished neighbourhoods, a youth photography programme is helping students document their lives - while also raising wider awareness of their communities’ struggles.

Joao & Andrew...

2010-06-03T22:36:00.003+02:00

went on live television before our London Exhibition. Joao was born for television. If only his family in Angola could have seen him... they would be proud of their boy. We certainly are. Check back soon for the interview.

Umuzi in Orlando Urban News

2010-06-03T00:12:00.003+02:00

Despite the print industry's slow demise, I still really enjoy an old-school newspaper article. It's just more tangible. This article appeared in several community papers last week in Johannesburg. This particular paper is resident to Orlando East (Soweto) which is where our current school, Zifuneleni Junior Secondary, is located.

Please pay close attention to the advertisement. "Buy 1 cow get 5 chickens free!".

Umuzi in the UK Telegraph

2010-06-01T23:17:00.002+02:00

Nothing beats print

2010-05-28T23:28:00.000+02:00

2010-05-24T00:09:00.000+02:00

the excitement is starting to build. London exhibition... 2 days.

Captain my Captain

2010-05-19T00:01:00.006+02:00

The exhibition prints are signed and ready for our London and Jozi shows. Captain was pretty happy with the print quality of his iconic (in our minds...) shot of his friends playing out the World Cup final in Diepsloot - big thanks to Dennis da Silva of Silvertone for your kind support!

Umuzi in The Guardian!

2010-05-17T19:27:00.006+02:00

Check out this sneak preview of our London & Joburg exhibitions, courtesy of The Guardian! Yebo.

Our 4th Graduating Class

2010-05-02T17:44:00.012+02:00

Our time at Zinfuneleni has been a rewarding learning experience. These workshops were our first using digital cameras, and despite what we anticipated, it actually required more organisation and planning than our film days. We have two workshops left with these learners: one to choose and critique their portfolios, and the other to actually make their portfolio books. We plan to show their work at our London exhibition in a few weeks as well as our Joburg exhibition (soon to be announced!) this June & July. They're all quite excited about showing off their work at the local show... if only we could fly them all to the UK!

These kids are real characters.

Mandisa Shongwe

Christopher Mashele

Siyabonga Sepotpkele

Oluwethu Mahina

Bokang Phashatsi

Matlhodi Monnakgotla

Mpho Masitenyahne

Nokuthula Mnisi

Umuzi in Destiny Man

2010-04-27T18:34:00.007+02:00

Destiny Man magazine wrote a cool little article on Umuzi in the Give Back section of their May/June issue. Thapelo is smiling because his portrait was published.

Free Yourself

2010-04-12T06:00:00.000+02:00

Give Joao some comments!

Kasi Reya Veya

2010-04-08T06:00:00.002+02:00

Video short # 2 of 3. Give Thapelo some comments! Check back next week for the last short.

Hillbrow Boundaries

2010-04-05T06:00:00.003+02:00

Video short # 1 of 3. Check back soon for the others. Give Tshepang some comments!

New Umuzi Video Shorts

2010-04-02T07:45:00.004+02:00

Our learner development students - Thapelo, Joao, and Tshepang - have each recently completed their very first video shorts. The collection is diverse and reflective of each learner’s distinctive personality.

Each learner took the spotlight at our workshop last Saturday to introduce their pieces and explain what inspired them. Tshepang’s movie is on the topic of the homeless in Hillbrow, Thapelo’s is a story about a fellow classmate’s difficulty getting to school, and Joao brings the art of crump dancing to light. All I can say is they are all extremely gripping and that we are so very proud of them for the accomplishment. The shorts will be shown to audiences in London and Johannesburg this May and June, respectively. They may even find their way to other exhibitions in Europe as well... more to come on this!

Check back over the course of the next couple of weeks for a sneak preview of the shorts. If you like what you see, please take a moment to write a comment - the learners love hearing your feedback!

We would like to thanks Tory Williams and Stacey Clark for all of your hard work over the past couple of weeks. Tory came to Jo’burg to coach the three learners through developing their movies after curating our New York exhibition last year. Stacey, our New York exhibition producer, has relocated to Johannesburg to act as a mentor as well as help with our operations. These two know Hillbrow better than most Jo’burgers now...