Photography initiative trains Nkandla youth

EMPOWERING youth through creativity, an NPO has embarked on an arts-based skills development initiative.

Of Soul and Joy (OSJ) is a pioneering South African photography initiative that has empowered disadvantaged communities in Thokoza, Gauteng for over a decade.

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The NPO recently demonstrated its transformative work in rural KZN, at Ithala Secondary School in Nkandla, conducting an intensive workshop for 28 unemployed youth and learners at the school.

The two-week programme focused on visual storytelling, both as an artistic practice and a potential career path.

OSJ founder and project manager Jabulani Dhlamini explained that their photography-focused skills development programme has successfully trained dozens of professional photographers from Thokoza.

“Many of these beneficiaries have gone on to build careers. The rural workshop initiative reflects our commitment to bringing essential creative skills development to rural areas where educational and employment opportunities for youth are often limited.

“It also presents a unique opportunity for OSJ alumni to serve as mentors, completing the full circle of education, leadership and empowerment.

“One of our core objectives is to reach disadvantaged communities excluded from mainstream storytelling platforms due to factors such as affordability, historical background and unemployment.

“We recognised the importance of expanding beyond Thokoza to establish empowerment opportunities in rural areas like Nkandla, where creative education can transform lives, both individual and entire communities,” said Dhlamini.

He further explained that all participants received hands-on training with professional equipment, including 10 cameras, 7 point-and-shoot cameras, 5 laptops, and a projector for training sessions.

“Learning is also extended beyond the classroom as students engaged in practical lessons on-location to practice their newfound skills in real-world settings. On closing day, participants showcased their work in a community exhibition, with their photos projected for all to see,” he said.

The programme was led by a team of OSJ alumni mentors and seasoned professional photographers, such as Jabulani Dhlamini, Tshepiso Mazibuko, Thandile Zwelibanzi, Xolani Ngubeni, Teboho Mabuya and Fuwe Molefe.

Dhlamini said their main objectives are to empower the youth to demonstrate competence in photography, create a cohesive body of work, analyse images, interpret their meaning, tell stories visually, and develop essential writing skills such as crafting biographies.

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