Since 2012, Of Soul and Joy Project has successfully trained dozens of professional photographers from Thokoza, many of whom have gone on to build careers in the discipline. From 26 March to 6 April 2025, Of Soul and Joy conducted a two-week intensive workshop for unemployed youth and students at Ithala Secondary School in Nkandla. This expansion reflects Of Soul and Joy’s strategic commitment to bringing essential creative skills development to rural areas where educational and employment opportunities for youth are often limited.
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate consistently among the highest globally—especially in rural areas, initiatives like Of Soul and Joy are vital in providing alternative pathways to economic independence. The photography skills taught through this programme open doors to careers in the creative industries, including commercial and editorial photography, documentary work, and visual education.
The two-week programme focused on visual storytelling, both as an artistic practice and a potential career path. Participants received hands-on training with professional equipment. The goal is to empower the youth to demonstrate competence in photography, create a cohesive body of work, analyse photographs, interpret their meaning, tell stories visually, and develop essential writing skills such as crafting biographies.
At the workshop’s conclusion, participants have their work showcased in a community exhibition, with their photographs projected for all to see.
The programme was led by a team of seasoned professional photographers and educators, all deeply rooted in South Africa’s vibrant photographic community. Mentors include Jabulani Dhlamini, Tshepiso Mazibuko, Thandile Zwelibanzi, Xolani Ngubeni, Teboho Mabuya, and Fuwe Molefe.
“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,”
