Art exhibition in honour of Youth Day at Mall of the South
The exhibition paid an exclusive tribute to the spirit of the Soweto Uprising by showcasing photographic work that depicts the youth's vision of contemporary South Africa.
Of Soul and Joy (OSAJ) hosted a pop-up exhibition at the Mall of the South from June 16 to 18 in honour of Youth Day.
The exhibition paid an exclusive tribute to the spirit of the Soweto uprising by showcasing photographic work that depicts the youth’s vision of contemporary South Africa.
The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the creativity of South Africa’s youth, as student photographers. The programme manager, Jabulani Dhlamini, discussed their work and the impact of the OSAJ programme.
Dhlamini said, “As the saying goes ‘the struggle continues’. This manifests in our youth through unemployment and a lack of opportunities, especially for artists and creatives. Our students use their cameras to express themselves and create art that deals with these challenges. This enables them to start conversations, to learn, and in turn, educate their communities.”

The Mall of the South centre manager, Hester Smith, said it is an honour to be associated with an initiative that prioritises youth development and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“Our collaboration with Of Soul and Joy is meaningful during youth month, as it highlights the significance of supporting and uplifting the younger generation. By providing a platform for young photographers, the mall recognises the talent and potential of these individuals and offers them a chance to showcase their work to a wider audience.
“This exposure can lead to valuable connections, opportunities, and recognition for the young photographers, paving the way for their future success,” said Smith.



