Young Photographers for Social Change, August 2011

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Credit: Kgaugelo Captain Mabjwe

"In Flight" taken in Diepsloot Township by Kgaugelo Captain Mabjwe. Kgaugelo is part of the Umuzi Photo Club, a youth development organization that gives a voice to young people in South Africa's developing communities through the medium of photography.
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Credit: Olwethu Mahina

"Kasi Playground," Soweto. Umuzi is the Zulu word for Village.
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Credit: Umuzi Photo Club

Over the course of 12 workshops, Umuzi Photo Club learners identify an issue in their community to report on and photograph. They then create photo stories documenting an issue to be exhibited for the community and local media. Thabiso Motloung, left, is passionate about photographing pollution so he can help to change it in his community.
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Credit: Kgaugelo 'Captain' Mabjwe.

"Recycling," Diepsloot. Learners from Kwena Molapo High School photographed poor service delivery in Diepsloot Township to highlight how land pollution, water pollution and lack of electricity were affecting people in their community.
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Credit: Tebogo Lebotse

Land Pollution, Diepsloot. Their photographs were displayed in a community exhibition, attended by over 100 community members who all signed a petition to the South African Parliament to change the situation in Diepsloot.
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Credit: Mandisa Shongwe

"Home Security System," Soweto. Umuzi Photo Club students document the problematic, absurd, funny and beautiful in the everyday lives of their communities.
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Credit: Umuzi Photo Club

I didnt know that behind photography there was a story; it was my first time learning that, says Omphemetse Seotloe, a grade 12 student and Umuzi photographer from Alexandra township.
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Credit: Tshepang Masemala

"I'll Do Whatever it Takes to Go Back Home." In inner city Hillbrow, a learner at Barnato Park High School photographed and interviewed young people to tell stories about homelessness and drug use where she lives.
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Credit: Siyabonga Septokele

"Self Portrait." Siyabonga Septokele started with Umuzi Photo Club in 2010 while he was in grade 10 at Zifuneleni Secondary School in Soweto. With the help of Umuzi, he was offered a full bursary to attend St. Davids Marist College, one of the top high schools in Johannesburg.
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Credit: Umuzi Photo Club

Students at Barnato Park High School in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, photographed the causes and repercussions of teenage pregnancy in their community as part of a media campaign highlighting the issue.
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Credit: Umuzi Photo Club

Several Umuzi Photo Club members created a photo essay about The Door of Hope, a local organization that gives young mothers an alternative to abandoning their babies. Located in Berea, Johannesburg, The Door of Hope provides a place where mothers can leave their babies if they can no longer take care of them.
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Credit: Umuzi Phto Club

We want people to know that teenage pregnancy is a problem and that parents need to give good advice to their children. Tebogo Mabye, Umuzi Photographer, grade 10, Barnato Park High School.
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Credit: Joao Nzima

Skys the Limit, Hillbrow. Umuzi Photo Club has held exhibitions in New York, London, Antwerp, Melbourne and Johannesburg, allowing the learners voices to be heard on an international platform. Their images encourage youth-centered, community dialogues, and petition those in power to enact positive change.