Makaziwe Radebe is placed in the top ten of the Sony World Photography Awards
Makaziwe Radebe recently was recognised as one of the top 10 photography students in the world. In this competition students are chosen from a list of hundreds of art schools and universities where students are completing diplomas, bachelors’ degrees and MA’s in photography, journalism or fine art. For the 2024 student competition entrants had to centre their projects around Home and submit five to 10 images a story where the theme ‘Home’ was the focal point. In her work Radebe ( third year student at Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town) reminisces about memories of Emdeni, Soweto, recalling time spent with neighbours, friends and family. She describes this body of work, which she completed for her photobook project in 2nd year:
"Soweto raised me. This series is in honour of my childhood home – the familiar faces and the streets that continue to shape how I move in the world. My childhood was immersed in the embrace of a tight-knit community where love and ambitious dreams thrived. Like the day I defied going home, facing my mother’s wrath and her looming belt. A neighbour intervened, guiding me back and turning my tumultuous action into a serene evening. Fezile, a steadfast friend, was always at the corner, and our quiet journey to school was a cherished routine; soggy bacon and eggs, bathed in tomato sauce and well-worn grease, awaited our return."
The top prize winner is announced on 18 April 2024 in London. In the meantime Radebe will receive a certificate, will be included in the Sony World Photo Awards book, their work will appear on the exhibition at Somerset House in London and they will be promoted on the World Photo Award website. Well done Makaziwe Radebe. We are very proud of your achievement.
