I grew up in Mmabatho, a small town about 350 kilometres from Johannesburg. My original interest was in film and television. Due to the race restrictions at the time, I could not reach my wish. So I applied to study photography instead, mainly because it was offered in several institutions, some of which were not in support of the apartheid system. When I began my course in Cape Town in 1992 I did not know that memories from my childhood would return with such clarity. It felt like I had a calling to make the past live forever in real images. I was also inspired to make a change to the gender imbalance in my country. There were few black female photographers — less than 10. It was not very safe for any photographer, regardless of gender and race. It was a criminal offence to be found in possession of photographic images that carried any political message. Many media workers were regularly locked up, while others went into exile. As a result, my generation was left without any role models.
Now I am prepared to devote my time and energy to popularizing the profession among other women, especially those who lack self-esteem, and to plough back the knowledge I have gained by making a difference in someone’s life.
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Voices from the margins:
Multimedia: video, podcasts, and more.
- Poetry Slam in Zimbabwe
- The House of Hunger poetry slam held in Zimbabwe in 2006, and organised by the Pamberi Trust, showcased young artists performing inspirational work on issues from corporate power to child soldiers. The video features four of the poets.
Published by Pambazuka News.
- Iranian women speak out
- 3 March 2007, London. Women's rights activists marched through the English capital last week to celebrate International Women's Day with a protest against the misogyny of the Islamic regime in Iran and the threat of invasion by the US. Hear the voices of Iranian feminists Azar and Leila Parnian and the sounds of the demonstration as it passed through the heart of the city. Click here to learn more about the campaign.
Produced by Heidi Bachram.
- Raised Voices audio:
- Benny from West Papua on Corporate Power
- Vinayan from India on agriculture
