Students at Phakathi Secondary School held a photo exhibition as part of the celebration of Women's Month to pay tribute to the women in their lives. Among the students who actively prepared for the event were Yolisa Ntshingila and Ntobeko Meyiwa.
Zanele Nsindane, an art teacher from Durban, described the exhibition, which took place at her school on Friday, August 28th, as 'healing,' 'eye-opening,' and 'a celebration of our shared humanity.'
Nsindane noted that former student Khosalani Sithole returned to his old school to demonstrate that a child from the same community could become an artist. She emphasized that even though the school does not charge tuition fees, they felt rich that day. Nsindane helped Sithole receive photography training in the Phakathi school's art class and organized the exhibition itself.
The exhibition, titled Simunye Kuhluke Imilando (We are one, only our stories differ), was held at the school in Clearwater, Pinetown. Guests included people from distant places such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Nsindane expressed gratitude to the Muholi Institute of Arts (MA!) and its founder, renowned Durban artist and photographer Professor Zanele Muholi, who sponsored the photo project. The teacher also mentioned that for many students who had never held a camera before, the exhibition was a true discovery.
During the preparation, the students went outside to take pictures telling stories about the women in their families. Nsindane shared that some took photos of themselves acting as models representing the person they wanted to tell about. For example, they might talk about a sister who cares for them at home, or the first graduate in the family. One student might even wear a graduation gown. Even the boys participated by dressing in women's clothing to portray the person they needed to represent.
The artist and teacher from Durban, Zanele Nsindane, advocates for parents supporting children's creative aspirations. In the photograph, she is shown with her art class from Phakathi School and professional photographer and former student Khosalani Sithole on Friday during the Women's Month photo exhibition.