Through Their Lens: Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa at PhotoSaintGermain

This year marks 30 years since the end of apartheid in South Africa. To celebrate this milestone, two talented South African photographers, Sibusiso Bheka and Tshepiso Mazibuko, will showcase their work at the PhotoSaintGermain Festival in Paris. Their exhibition highlights contemporary life in South Africa, focusing on their hometown, Thokoza.

The Exhibition: “Ubusukunemini” (Day and Night)

Curated by Valérie Fougeirol, the exhibition “Ubusukunemini” runs from October 30 to November 24. It features a selection of photographs that explore the realities faced by South Africans after apartheid, particularly those living in Thokoza. This collection invites viewers to engage with themes of identity, history, and democracy.

Themes Explored

Capturing the Essence of Thokoza

Bheka and Mazibuko’s work offers a close look at their upbringing in Thokoza. They address the unfulfilled promises faced by the “born free” generation—those who grew up after apartheid.

Fougeirol sees this exhibition as a conversation between the past and present. The photographs depict the landscape of Thokoza and highlight the community’s struggles and hopes. “The photographers transport viewers between day and night, using bright colors and timeless black and white,” she says. Their work reflects both a stillness and a strong desire for change within the township.

Conversations and Community Engagement

During the exhibition, Bheka and Mazibuko will host three public conversations with Fougeirol at Galerie David Ghezelbash in Paris. These discussions will shed light on the stories behind their photographs and the social issues they address.

Acknowledging the Voices of a New Generation

Jabulani Dhlamini, project manager of the Soul and Joy initiative, praises both artists. He says, “Tshepiso and Sibusiso represent powerful new voices in South African photography. Their work shows the challenges of a generation navigating the promises of freedom while confronting the legacies of the past.”

This exhibition is not only a significant moment for Bheka and Mazibuko but also enriches the ongoing narrative of South Africa’s quest for true equality.

As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, the exhibition “Ubusukunemini” offers a vital reminder of the nation’s journey. Through the evocative photographs of Sibusiso Bheka and Tshepiso Mazibuko, Parisian audiences will gain insight into life in Thokoza and the spirit of its community. Don’t miss this chance to experience a powerful representation of contemporary South African life.