Social and Environmental Awareness Project Showcase Curated by Mpho Seleka
The Social and Environmental Awareness Project in Secunda was a media, outreach and advocacy project, which trained and empowered selected Secunda community members to be advocates for change within their community. The project emphasised the important role that photography and media can play in drawing attention to social and environmental issues; with a specific focus on natural resources, environmental health, social effects and initiatives to decarbonize and reform the energy sector towards renewables. The work being showcased ignites conversations and fosters dialogue on social and environmental awareness; also addressing different dynamics about youth, population, identity, culture and land. The work by the participants reimagines futures, impacts on economies and societies and acknowledges that the attempts of development efforts in South Africa relate closely to a proactive dialogue that includes local community members.
Participating photographers:
About the Photography Facilitator:
Mpho Seleka
Mpho Khwezi is a photographer and Facilitator at the Market Photo Workshop. He received his diploma in Photography at the Vaal university of technology in 2006 before eventually coming to study Intermediate course and Photojournalism and Documentary Program at The Market Photo Workshop in 2008. It was his nomination to participate in the World Press Joop Swart master class that opened opportunities for him in 2009. He worked at Mail & Guardian newspaper, International organization for migration in Zambia: Greg Marinovich photo-shelter and The Market Photo Workshop just to name a few. Sekela participated in many community photography projects in the continent.
About the Photography Facilitator: Nqobile Sithole
Nqobile Sithole, is 28 year old based in Johannesburg. Sithole was born in Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal and is an aspiring Photojournalist, Documentary Photographer, and Filmmaker. . Through the lens, she captures moments that create dialogue among viewers. She is currently a Social media intern at the Drone council of South Africa
About the Photography Facilitator: Loyiso Oldjohn
Loyiso Oldjohn is a South African based photographer who studied photography at the Market Photo Workshop. Up until recently, he was the Manager for Curriculum and Training at the Market Photo Workshop and led the development and restructuring of photography training at the Market Photo Workshop. He has designed and developed curriculum content, training materials, training modules and teaching aids for various outreach projects including the Free State Photography Training Project and Of Soul and Joy Photo Project. Loyiso continues to widely use his expertise to ensure accuracy and standardization of photography training materials and content. He was instrumental in the roll out of the initial BWEF project in Riverlea and therefore is already familiar with the participants.
About the Mobile Journalism Facilitator: Mohammed Tlali
Muhammad Tlali oa Letseng a senior news cameraman with ENCA. Prior has worked as a Video Producer journalist with Thomson Reuters news agency. Tladi is an alumni of former Market Photo Workshop, where he studied photography and worked first as a class coordinator then Instructor Assistant. He then ventured into filmmaking He has directed and co-produce documentary films commissioned and independent. Since 2018 Tlali has been training Mobile Journalism to various organisation’s for both Advocacy and visual literacy and storytelling.
About the Mobile Journalism Facilitator: Tiisetso Lesotho
Tiisetso Lesotho is a visual arts practitioner from Soweto. In 2016 Lesotho started studying photography at the Market Photo Workshop and completed the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Programme in 2017. She participated in a Community Media Internship in 2018 and worked she worked with various community newspapers. Lesotho’s work focuses on the contemporary social issues in South African townships. She has worked in the public programmes unit of the Market Photo Workshop. Lesotho participated in the 5th cycle of the Photography Incubation Programme, which was designed for practicing photographers who need support in further developing their photography business to the next level of practice and exhibited in the programme’s group exhibition.
About the Market Photo Workshop
The Market Photo Workshop is a Johannesburg-based school of photography, gallery and resource centre for practicing photographers. Since its establishment in 1989, the school has played an integral role in the training and growth of photographers from South Africa and further afield, while promoting photography through exhibitions, public debates and collaborative projects, especially within marginalized communities. The Market Photo Workshop is a division of The Market Theatre Foundation. Market Photo Workshop is the recipient of The Principal Prince Claus Award 2018.
About the Mpumalanga Department of Arts and Culture, Sport and Recreation
The mission of the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is to develop, support and promote cultural, sporting and information excellence through participation of stakeholders.
The Department’s strategic goals are to improve the quality of life by maintaining healthy minds and bodies through active participation in sport, recreation, arts and culture; acknowledge cultural diversity and promote unity by affirming, conserving and celebrating people’s way of life, while striving for moral renewal in our society; create a learning culture to empower people to make informed decisions; support socio-economic development by establishing sport and culture as an economic investment; and ensure effective investment in resources and systems for the delivery of quality service.
Source: https://provincialgovernment.co.za/units/view/75/mpumalanga/culture-sport-and-recreation
For more information, please contact:
Busiswa Mrasi
Project Coordinator
T +27 (0) 11 834 1444
E-mail: lemom@marketphotoworkshop.co.za
Facebook: Market Photo Workshop
Instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop
Twitter: @_photoworkshop
Photoform Africa: www.photoformafrica.com