Cecil John Rhodes: British Empire Hitman

“Black Theology did not start in church. It started in the Black Consciousness Movement. The church is one of the integral parts of the colonial system that needs to be liberated”.

We were all standing outside, subject to the scorching heat and all the elements. We were told around 1pm that most of the staff had gone out to lunch, and we should continue being patient – we will eventually get in. An hour passed, and with our complaints now becoming louder and louder, we were informed that “the system is slow today”.

The narrative of the Soweto Uprising of June 1976 is powerful. However, South Africa must invest more energy into expanding that narrative, to include histories across the country during that same period. This is not to undermine the Soweto protests, but to draw even more attention to how they inspired revolt throughout South Africa.

STILL references notions of ‘stillness’: from formal still life studies, to a slowing down in quiet contemplation. This exhibition imagines humankind’s resilience and perseverance during an unprecedented time of uncertainty.

RECLAMATIONS revisits the longest running mentorship programme in the history of African photography that continues to support young photographers in realising visions that reflect both the aspirations and disquiet of their communities. Since 2008, the Tierney Fellowship in South Africa has been leading in the identification of emerging talent in contemporary photography.