VENUE: Women’s Jail Atrium
Date: 21 & 22 March 2025
Of Soul & Joy to Host Exhibition at Constitution Hill Celebrating 30 years of Democracy — and the residents of Thokoza township
Exploring Identity and Heritage Through the Lens of Thokoza’s Youth
Johannesburg, South Africa – Of Soul & Joy (OSJ), an educational programme dedicated to empowering youth through photography, is proud to announce the exhibition, I Put My Hand On My Chest To Feel My Heartbeat, hosted at the historic Constitution Hill from 1 February to 31 March 2025. This exhibition invites the public to step into the vibrant community of Thokoza through the lens of its youth, offering a range of personal stories and visual narratives captured by some of South Africa’s most promising emerging photographers.
Curated by Constitution Hill Creative Uprising Hub co-ordinator and seasoned multidisciplinary artist, Lesole Tauatswala, the exhibition is a celebration of 30 years of democracy, showcasing intimate moments and displays of creativity that tell the stories of Thokoza and its residents. The photographs, taken by past and present OSJ students, highlight the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of daily life, focusing on the youth of the township as they navigate their environment.
“I Put My Hand On My Chest To Feel My Heartbeat serves as an entry point into a complex narrative, where each image encapsulates the pulse of this vibrant community,” says Jabulani Dhlamini, OSJ Project Manager. “Through the voices of these young photographers, the exhibition explores the personal and collective stories that make up the soul of Thokoza. It’s an introspective journey into the heart of the township, where themes such as identity, heritage, love, spirituality, and family are interwoven to create a multifaceted portrait of life in this part of South Africa.”
The works on display range from deeply personal explorations of family dynamics and identity, to broader social themes such as belonging, and cultural symbolism. The artists reflect on their unique relationships with their subjects, with many examining the ways in which clothing, physical gestures, and ancestral connections shape their understanding of self and community. Others delve into the symbolism embedded in everyday moments, offering an exploration of spirituality and the ties between the living and the ancestors.
“The Of Soul & Joy project’s dedication to empowering underprivileged youth and fostering community development is a mission we at Con Hill identify and greatly resonate with,” says Lesole Tauatswala. “In offering creative spaces for self-expression and skill-building, the project’s mentorship programmes and collaborative workshops foster a sense of belonging and pride in their students’ communities, encouraging them to realise their potential and pursue their dreams.“
The exhibition also serves as a testament to the evolution of Thokoza’s youth over the past 30 years, showcasing how they continue to navigate the complexities of South African life and the shared history of their community. Through photography, the artists offer not just a snapshot of life, but a window into the future of South African storytelling.
About Of Soul and Joy (NPO)
Of Soul and Joy was initiated in 2012 by the Rubis Mécénat endowment fund, with support from Easigas, in the heart of Thokoza, southeast of Johannesburg, South Africa. It aims to provide the township’s youth and its surroundings with professional skills in the field of photography. As a creative platform, Of Soul and Joy offers weekly workshops led by renowned photographers, encounters with art professionals, collaborations with cultural institutions and organizes art events in Africa and abroad. In its 13 years of existence, the programme has helped reveal several young photographers who are now making a living from their work and building careers at international photo festivals, fairs, and galleries.
