FREE? Words JULIE BONZON
and Sabelo Mlangeni have photographically reflected on socio-political barriers and changes in the country since the formal end of Apartheid. The next generation of students coming from the Market Photo Workshop, such as Musa N Nxumalo, Matt Kay, Lebohang Kganye, Sipho Gongxeka, Phumzile Khanyile and Tshepiso Mazibuko have contributed to local and international photography debates surrounding notions of identity and representation through portraiture. Born shortly before or after the first democratic elections, some of these students have been affiliated with the ‘born free’ discussion. ‘Born frees’ gained visibility during the 2014 elections and especially after the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall movements. Through collective actions and strikes, the young generation demonstrated its political and historical awareness by calling into question memory, nation and (de)colonised identity. The terminology ‘born free’ should be used cautiously, however, as it tends to over-generalise political affiliations. Nevertheless, the expectations inherent to the assertion of freedom have given rise to various oppositions. Incoherence between the government’s promises and everyday struggles led the new generation to voice their concerns in the public and online domains. While their parents witnessed tangible progress, young people are now uncertain of what remains possible in a country where the legacy of struggle is more apparent than direct experience of conflict. Young activists reference figures from the past or from elsewhere to question their present moment and place in this country. In the ‘born free’ debate, and in the photographic project of the Workshop’s students discussed in this piece, youth, identity and belonging appear as key and conflicting notions. FEATURE
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