These South African artists showcase the city’s spirit through powerful photography exhibitions in Europe
South Africa (18 September 2025) – These six emerging photographers from South Africa are bringing Johannesburg’s stories to international audiences, transforming local experiences into visual narratives. While doing that, they are proving that a camera can do more than just capture images; it also writes stories.
The artists in question are Sibusiso Bheka, Jabulani Dhlamini, Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo, Vuyo Mabheka, Xolani Ngubeni, and Zwelibanzi Zwane. All part of the Of Soul and Joy (OSJ) project, a Thokoza-based mentorship initiative. Since 2012, OSJ has empowered young South Africans to use photography as a tool for storytelling, self-expression, and social change.
From 11 September to 21 December 2025, their work will be on display at the Fondation. A museum in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the ‘What’s the Word? Johannesburg!’ exhibition. Curated by Emilie Demon from Johannesburg’s Afronova Gallery, the exhibition draws inspiration from Gil Scott-Heron’s 1975 song Johannesburg and explores themes of identity, transformation, resilience, and creativity.
The photographers’ work highlights historical memory, post-apartheid aspirations, fatherhood, vulnerability, and the voices of marginalised communities, providing a vivid and intimate portrayal of life in Johannesburg.
In Switzerland, Vuyo Mabheka and Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo will also participate in the Gen Z (Shaping a New Gaze) exhibition at Photo Elysée in Lausanne which will run from 18 September 2025 to 01 February 2026, joining 60 other international artists to examine the challenges and perspectives of their generation.
“This moment is about more than just international recognition,” says Jabulani Dhlamini, OSJ Project Manager. “It is about young South Africans reclaiming their stories, creating new archives, and bringing these realities of Johannesburg to the world stage.”
The work does not stop there! Back home, OSJ will celebrate these achievements with its 5th bi-annual Photo Festival, highlighting the city’s creativity and the mentorship that supports these young photographers.
From Thokoza’s streets to major cultural centres in Europe, the these photographers want to prove Johannesburg’s stories have a place on the global stage.
Sources: Supplied
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