Jabulani Dhlamini is a documentary photographer whose practice reflects on his upbringing in the post-apartheid era alongside the experiences of local South African communities. Dhlamini’s meditative approach to photography encourages a closer look at what lies on the edges through an exploration of personal and collective memory. Dhlamini has mentored several underprivileged youth over the past decade as project manager of Thokoza-based photography initiative, Of Soul and Joy. He is also an alumni fellow of the Edward Ruiz Mentorship programme and the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg.

Lesole Tauatswala is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and writer from Limpopo, based in Johannesburg. He coordinates the Creative Uprising Hub at Constitution Hill, focusing on post-colonial narratives and community themes. Notably, he has been involved in the curation of I Put My Hand On My Chest To Feel My Heartbeat, celebrating 30 years of democracy by showcasing Thokoza’s youth through photography. Tauatswala also participated in the Latitudes CuratorLab, curating LOCUS/LOCATION. His work emphasizes storytelling, cultural identity, and empowering youth through creative projects, fostering community development and cultural understanding.

Ruth Seopedi Motau, born in 1968 in Meadowlands, Soweto, is a pioneering South African photographer and the first black woman photo-editor at The Mail and Guardian from 1995 to 2002. She also worked at The Sowetan and City Press. A graduate of the Market Photo Workshop, Motau is renowned for her portraits and documentation of social and political life in South Africa. Her extensive projects include themes like community, culture, and spirituality. An experienced mentor, she has trained many photographers and participated in numerous exhibitions around the world, earning awards for her impactful work in documentary photography.

Tshepiso Mazibuko, born in 1995 in Thokoza, South Africa, is a photographer who initially pursued journalism before discovering her passion for photography through the Of Soul and Joy program. She refined her skills at the Market Photo Workshop, focusing on documenting her community’s experiences. Mazibuko’s work explores identity, history, and social justice, particularly the “Born Frees” generation. Her projects, like Ho tshepa ntshepedi ya bontshepe, highlight the challenges faced by this generation. She has gained international recognition with awards such as the Public Award at the Discovery Award Louis Roederer Foundation, and is a founding member of the Umhlabathi Collective.

Nkululeko Khumalo is a printmaking lecturer at the Vaal University of Technology and an independent art curator. She holds a Master’s in Fine Art from the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on biographical and curatorial practice. Her work explores South African historical narratives, particularly in the Vaal region, emphasizing decolonial narratives and overlooked photographic archives. Khumalo is also Director of the Len Khumalo Foundation and serves on various boards, advocating for the preservation of oral histories and authentic representation of black narratives. Her curatorial projects highlight educational outcomes and archival preservation.