Mitchell's Plain, the township sitting almost 20 kilometers from the Cape Town city center, is a space that has lived and experienced the severities of the apartheid regime. The decision to establish a new township within the Cape during the apartheid era was formulated around the need for housing for the coloured community. The census data for 1970 stated that out of the 21 million South Africans, coloureds comprised 9.4 % (whites were 17.3%), however, within the south western cape alone, coloureds made up almost 61% of the population group in the region. In 1971 the government gave the Cape City Council (now the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality) the go ahead to start planning Mitchells Plain. To assess what land was available for the relocation of persons under the Group Areas Act, surveys were undertaken in the area and showed that 3100 hectares of land was available on the property called Mitchells Plain.

In 1989, just a little over a decade from its conception, the following neighbourhoods were showing promising numbers.

Area: No. of units:

Westridge 4042

Portlands 4562

Lentegeur 5247

Rocklands 4951

Woodlands 363

Strandfontein 961

Tafelsig 3426

Eastridge 2841

Beacon Valley 3634

Flats 1433

New Woodlands 3100

The letter highlights the human dimension of life in the new township and while they were forcibly removed from their previous residences, they still exercised some form of agency in shaping their environments. The writer not only complains about the social problems in the neighborhood such as graffiti, noise and drug use, but he also expresses a desire to purchase and improve the adjacent municipal land. This reflects the wider truth about Mitchells Plain during the 70’s and 80’s; where government houses are not seen as static units meant to restrict its inhabitants, but are homes that residents adapted and personalized. In this manner, the inhabitants are asserting their dignity and stability in a space that was originally a site of relocation.

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

FIVE WINNERS: