​Umhlabathi hosted a successful exhibition recently in Newtown, Johannesburg. The opening was followed by a highly informative panel discussion that took place at the Workers Museum.

Umhlabathi advocates serving, freedom of expression, collaborations, mentorships, and conversations. The relational and social potential of photography is a core foundation for the Collective’s development and its first exhibition, Vul’ Umhlabathi, which was displayed as part of the 2021 Joburg Arts Alive Festival programme and produced in collaboration with an independent curator, Thato Mogotsi.

The panel discussion the next day focused on the concept of photography as labor, emphasising the role that photography has had as a creative tool in documenting and humanising the black lived experience in South Africa, despite the historical erasure produced by repressive regimes. It was a day filled with nothing but joy and tranquility.
Umhlabathi is a multi-generational community of photographers and artists with the goal of elevating photography as a relational medium.

Umhlabathi aspires to establish a supportive community of practitioners and provide a platform for shared growth through experimental public programming, independent and collaborative photographic practice, publications, and archival research. Umhlabathi is situated at 2 Helen Joseph Street in Newtown, Johannesburg. The building holds personal meaning for the Collective’s eight members, some of whom are Market Photo Workshop graduates. The entire potential of the building’s existing facilities – such as a photo studio, darkroom, digital station, auditorium, and gallery – are distinctive to the operations and ideally suited to the collective’s aspirations.

Jabulani Dhlamini, Lebohang Kganye, Andile Komanisi, Tshepiso Mabula ka Ndongeni, Tshepiso Mazibuko, Sabelo Mlangeni, Andrew Tshabangu, and Thandile Zwelibanzi are the Umhlabathi collectives Johannesburg-based photographers.

“When I think of Umhlabathi, I picture a drawing because it is something that can be altered and modified without causing too much damage. I also see green and brown hues that symbolise growth, stability, and sustainability,” said Tshepiso Mabula Ka Ndongeni.

“The noises and sounds that I picture when I think about Umhlabathi in the long term are sounds of music playing, people talking, laughter, and the sort of noise that gives you the sensation that there is life and that people are learning from one other,” Tshepiso said.

“The whole idea of the this collective is not just about the members, and the curator, the vision is really that it becomes a space that serves photography and serves photographers, the founding members are just building the foundation and not the entire structure. We hope many other people will come on board and share this vision with us of creating a supportive community of practitioners that provide a platform for shared growth,” said Lebohang Kganye.

Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
09/12/2021