From the vibrant streets of Thokoza to international galleries in Europe, six young South African photographers are elevating the untold stories of Johannesburg to global recognition. United by a common vision and rooted in personal experiences, these artists are redefining how the world sees their city.

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A New Global Lens on Johannesburg

With cameras as their tools and the city as their canvas, Sibusiso Bheka, Jabulani Dhlamini, Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo, Vuyo Mabheka, Xolani Ngubeni, and Zwelibanzi Zwane are showcasing the many faces of Johannesburg – from hardship and survival to beauty and transformation. Their work is a profound visual exploration of the city’s layered identity, resonating beyond South Africa’s borders.

These six photographers are members of the Of Soul and Joy (OSJ) project – a Thokoza-based mentorship programme founded by Rubis Mécénat and Easigas. Since 2012, OSJ has nurtured young South African talent, offering photography as a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and social impact.

International Exhibitions

What’s the Word? Johannesburg!

Dates: 11 September – 21 December 2025
Venue: Fondation A (A Foundation), Brussels, Belgium

The exhibition, curated by Emilie Demon from Afronova Gallery, draws inspiration from Gil Scott-Heron’s 1975 protest anthem Johannesburg. It offers a raw and emotionally rich portrait of life in the city, threading together themes of:

• Urban identity and transformation
• Historical trauma and post-apartheid hope
• Intimacy, fatherhood, and emotional vulnerability
• Marginalised communities and silenced voices

Through these themes, the exhibition positions Johannesburg not only as a place of contradictions but as a hub of resilience and vibrancy.

Gen Z (Shaping a New Gaze)

Dates: 18 September 2025 – 01 February 2026
Venue: Photo Elysée, Lausanne, Switzerland

In addition to the Brussels exhibition, Vuyo Mabheka and Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo will represent South Africa at the Gen Z exhibition, joining 60 other artists from around the world. This showcase explores how the next generation of creatives interprets their realities and dreams, addressing contemporary challenges through visual storytelling.

Local Celebration

OSJ Photo Festival 2025

Back home, the achievements of these photographers will be honoured at the 5th OSJ Bi-Annual Photo Festival:

Dates: 18 October 2025
Venue: Buhlebuzile High School, Thokoza

This event celebrates not only artistic milestones but also the broader mission of OSJ: empowering youth through creativity and amplifying their voices in the global conversation.

“This moment is about more than just international recognition,” says Jabulani Dhlamini, OSJ Project Manager. “It is about young South Africans reclaiming their stories, creating new archives, and bringing the realities of Johannesburg to the world stage.”

About Of Soul & Joy

Launched in 2012 by Easigas and the Rubis Mécénat endowment fund, Of Soul & Joy is a long-term social and artistic mentorship initiative based in Thokoza. The programme provides aspiring photographers with training, equipment, and exposure, helping them tell their own stories and contribute to social dialogue through art. By equipping South African youth with tools for expression and platforms for recognition, OSJ continues to reshape the narrative of Johannesburg—one frame at a time.

For more information visit www.ofsoulandjoy.com and follow @ofsoulandjoy on Instagram and Facebook for updates on upcoming exhibitions, projects, and workshops.