Of Soul & Joy Celebrates 13 Years of Storytelling and Talent Development with 5th Photo Festival

The Of Soul & Joy (OSJ) Project marks a major milestone this October as it hosts the 5th edition of its Photo Festival, celebrating 13 years of nurturing photographic talent and creative storytelling in South Africa. Taking place on Saturday, 18 October at Buhlebuzile Secondary School in Thokoza, the festival will showcase the evolution of young photographers who have grown within the project and the communities that continue to inspire them.

Since its inception, OSJ has trained and mentored photographers from Thokoza and neighbouring areas, providing skills and resources that enable them to share authentic visual narratives and participate meaningfully in the global creative industry. Over the years, many alumni have gone on to international recognition through exhibitions, awards, and residencies — a testament to the programme’s commitment to long-term artistic and social development.

“The best achievement is the impact it has made on the students, industry, and community at large,” says Project Manager Jabulani Dhlamini. “It brings a special dynamic to the creative industry by encouraging collaboration with local players. Some of our beneficiaries have become successful photographers with work that has been awarded and exhibited internationally. Many of them, in turn, become mentors for the project.”

The festival will feature a day-long programme of exhibitions, live performances, talks, and interactive activities designed to engage both the community and the wider public. Visitors will experience the work of OSJ photographers from Thokoza, KwaZulu-Natal (Nquthu and Nkandla), and Limpopo (Tzaneen) through screenings, prints, and discussions that highlight photography’s role in fostering dialogue and empowerment.

Festival Highlights

All Day:

Outdoor exhibitions, an interactive photo studio, Camera Obscura, face painting, and photo booth activities with prizes.

13:00 – 13:45:

Of Soul & Joy and its Success Stories – A play by the Sabelo Makhubu Foundation, followed by a discussion with OSJ alumni Tshepiso Mazibuko and Sibusiso Bheka on how photography has shaped their professional journeys.

13:45 – 14:30:

Empowering Women Through Photography – A performance by beneficiaries from Merafe Hostel with the Musawamaswazi Community Organisation, followed by a talk with Tshepiso Mabula, Naledi Mkupa, and Life Ngubeni, exploring the experience of women in the visual arts.

14:30 – 15:30:

Live music performance by the Buhlebuzile Alumni Jazz Band.

15:30 – 16:00:

Using Cinema as a Tool for Expression – Film screenings by OSJ students and a talk with Muriel Huet, Mpumelelo Mcata, and students Lerato Hashe and Millicent Hatibaki.

16:00 – 17:00:

Raising Awareness About Photography in Remote Communities – Traditional dance by Merafe Hostel Girls (Musawamaswazi Community Organisation) followed by a discussion with Jabulani Dhlamini, Thandile Zwelibanzi, and Swazi Tshabalala on OSJ’s outreach in rural areas.

Mentors and Speakers

• Jabulani Dhlamini – Documentary photographer and OSJ Project Manager, recognised for his exploration of post-apartheid identity and collective memory.

  
  

• Sibusiso Bheka – Photographer known for his evocative township imagery, exhibited internationally.

  
  

• Naledi Mkupa – Visual artist using photography as a medium for self-expression and social commentary.

  
  

• Thandile Zwelibanzi – Documentary photographer and recipient of the Edward Ruiz Mentorship at the Market Photo Workshop.

  
  

• Tshepiso Mabula – Documentary photographer and member of the Umhlabathi Collective.

  
  

• Mpumelelo Mcata – Filmmaker, musician, and cultural activist, best known for his work with the BLK JKS.

  
  

• Muriel Huet – Social entrepreneur and film curator focused on education and cultural exchange.

Through 13 years of workshops, mentorship, and creative exchange, the Of Soul & Joy Project continues to empower young photographers to tell stories rooted in community, identity, and resilience. The 5th OSJ Photo Festival will celebrate that ongoing journey — a space where art, education, and collaboration come together to inspire a new generation of South African storytellers.