Photography is my language

By Luale Monze - Photography Editor

Growing up, I became accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life. The buzzing energy of Johannesburg, the “Concrete Jungle”, has sparked my desire for urban adventures. Given my past, I could have never imagined discovering my passion for photography in a place like Makhanda.

For a long time, I was convinced that nothing out of the ordinary could happen in a town that doesn’t even have a McDonald’s.

A female labrador, Luna Moon, lies in the garden soil at her owner Zoe Ahrends’ house, Thursday, 8 March 2018, Makhanda. Luna was adopted from the SPCA in October 2017.

However, I’ve been exploring these streets for a solid three years and my perception of Makhanda has completely shifted. Makhanda has got character. The vibrancy of the town is driven by locals who truly care about the prosperity of their home.

Regina Mpongoshe (left) and Tozona Cynthia Siwa (right) knit a woolen blanket at Ethembeni Service Centre, Makhanda, July 2018. They were showcasing their skills as part of Trading Live for Nelson Mandela week

The town has fostered my journey as a photographer, journalist and creative. It all started when I decided to specialise in photo-journalism during the final year of my degree. I had my mind set on becoming a renowned writer within the South African media community.

However, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try something different. Without much thought, I purchased my first camera - a modest entry-level Canon. This led to an intense year of developing my craft and learning to speak the language of photography.

Jadi Street, Joza Location, Makhanda, Friday, 3 August 2018. Joza is located North West of the city centre itself and it falls under the Makana district in the Eastern Cape.

Makhanda isn’t perfect by any means. We’re in the middle of a water crisis unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed and there are more potholes than people. Nevertheless, I have decided to share a few of my favourite photographs that I’ve taken in Makhanda. I hope they inspire you to see the beauty of a town I’ve grown to love.