YOUTH INITIATIVE

[THROUGH YOUR LENS]

FIVE WINNERS:

Kaitlin Christians, Grade 12, Cedar High School (Mitchell's Plain)

Nuhaa Christians, Grade 12, Glendale High School (Mitchell's Plain)

Malak Elnaggar, Grade 12, The Leadership College (Primrose Park)

Joshua Anderson, Grade 10, APEX High School (Eerste River)

Zukhanye Nkunkwana, Grade 9, APEX High School (Kayamandi)

Nqobile Sikota, Grade 10, APEX High School (Eerste River)

3 EXTRA LEARNERS FEATURED:

Isakhanya Vimba, Grade 9, APEX High School (Kayamandi)

Mpumelelo Jr. Witbooi, Grade 12, Glendale High School (Mitchells Plain)

"The generational cycle This is a visual picture showing on how the apartheid is still affecting us up till today with the men on the corner showing that the unemployment rate is still high especially in the people with colour(coloureds and blacks) even though They have education and how many generations will this go on for because the apartheid has ended in 1994 and it’s 2025 today when will this stop?

This is to show that up till today nothing has really changed people of colour are still at the same place there were put in, in 1960 still sitting on corners hoping for work unable to get out.

I’m wanting to show that both generations are on corners not know where they going in life like the school is so deep in thought she’s not aware about what’s going on around her and the men also not sure what are they doing today they are not sure if they will be getting a job or not.

The new generation might end up on the same corner as the old if nothing changes."

"On my way to school, I notice symbols of life’s struggles like this rainbow and cloud how it serves as reminders that even in the midst of hardship ... something good can always be found. Just as a difficult day at school can be brightened by a single kind person, I see a rainbow that mirrors perfection ; flawless grades, flawless qualities and flawless in everything , how ever the sad truth is that it is overshadowed by a dark cloud that threatens to pull them down. I am reminded that even when one comes from a less privileged place, there is always light to be discovered amidst the darkness in one's life. This way to my school sets a reminder that just because you're in an area that dulls yourself doesn't mean it's a school that dulls your spark to your dreams."

"This isn’t just a walk back to school. It’s a moment of unity, of faith, of purpose. We had just prayed at the mosque, and now we're returning — not just as students, but as a community grounded in something bigger than ourselves. This is what it looks like when belief walks with us."

"This picture is significant because it shows that something doesn't have to look beautiful to be beautiful. For me, it means that even when something looks ugly, doesn't mean it has to be ugly and you can still find the beauty in it."

"This photo is significant because it captures a vivid contrast between human life and nature. The foreground shows a densely packed settlement with makeshift homes and clothes hanging on lines, indicating a community that may face economic challenges but is full of life and resilience. The background presents a majestic mountain under a clear blue sky, symbolizing stability, permanence, and the beauty of the natural world. To me, this image speaks about hope and perseverance. Despite difficult living conditions, life goes on, and there is beauty all around. It reminds me that no matter our circumstances, nature's vastness and strength can inspire us to keep moving forward."

“Every morning the words whatever it takes greet me from the school wall a loud reminder that no excuse is bigger than my goals on rainy cold days when its tempting to stay home that message pushes me forward it tells me that success means showing up no matter the weather or how I feel its more than paint on a wall its a promise I make to myself every time I walk through those gates.”

"As the sun sets over the park, the sky transforms into colours, casting a warm glow over the playground"

"Capturing sunsets is a profound experience that transcends throughout my photography. It's about preserving moments of breathtaking beauty, introspection, and emotional connection. As the day's final light dances across the sky, it's an invitation to reflect on life's fleeting nature, the passage of time, and the beauty that surrounds us. Through the lens, I can convey the emotions and stories that unfold during these ephemeral moments, freezing them in time for posterity. By doing so, I create a personal narrative that speaks to my own experiences, memories, and connections to the world around us."

The 5 winning images have been printed by ORMS and are available to view at the Sisonke Gallery