Telling Stories

Telling Stories by Caitlyn Fay Smith is an amazing inspirational photographic exhibition at Velo Cafe, The Grove in Braamfontein. She tells her stories through the amazing journey she had throughout her travels in India, Nepal & Indonesia. The exhibition is open till 24th March, so do try and visit. Her beautiful photos are both eye-catching, original and powerful with detail. "Telling / adjective: having striking or revealing effect: significant, 'A telling story.'" 

Visit her website: www.caitlynfaysmith.com 

Peter Magubane

Last week was the opening of the photographic exhibition of the legendary South African photographer, Peter Magubane at the FADA Gallery. His photos are of "Child Labour" captured through his brownie camera back in the 1950's. The photo's are of children who, willingly or non-willingly worked for money. As some of the photographs explained, were that boys in the city, generally willingly went out in search of work. They wanted to get away from their families and earn a living for themselves. Why? Most probably because of the genes imprinted within us, the 'man kind' instinct of fending for oneself? 

The boys working on the farms, or coal mines, were almost forced to… Peter Magubane went out in search to capture photo's for his country, through reading Drum, The Times, and Life, he wanted to be apart of history. When searching for these children working, he often offered them a place to stay, a better life than what they were currently living in. Those who did want a "better" life went with him, and he would take them home and feed them with a 1/4 load of bread and a carton of milk. This is the reach and extent Peter went to help these children where possible. 

Ït doesn't matter how expensive the camera, even if it is R20… because its not the camera that takes pictures, it is you. You are the one that chooses what picture you want to capture." Some amazing words for a amateur photographer like myself. This wise, eloquent man is remarkable. Not to forget is how through his photography did he become Nelson Mandela's personal photographer through the apartheid regime as well as through his presidency. 

Some amazing advice from the master himself, "Taking photo's is like a woman giving birth, it pushes you for more, 'I want more of this' is what you say" it becomes the next best addiction. "Today is the day to start working… Work hard - now!"

Millie's Fire

It was a sad day on Friday morning, to have witnessed the burning of Millie's on the N4. We arrived on the scene just in time to capture the destructive power of fire and wind combined. Within just 20 minute it was all over. Apparently a spark was all it took from lighting a fire within the fire place of this cosy restaurant - minutes later the thatch caught alight and it was over. No people were injured, and staff were caught in the act of helping put out the flames or their beloved work place. What will come of them in this desolate area? A fire chopper aided in the extermination and helped control the spread of the fire to the rest of the buildings. Great work on a wintery friday morning!

CORRUPTION

I have just been stopped at a ‘routine’ metro traffic check in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 6th May 2011, 10:45. This happened on Smit Street between Eendracht and Henri Street. The metro traffic cop (had no name or badge) who stopped me had advised me that my break lights were not working, and wanted to fine me R500 for this. After telling me this, he then proceeded to walk around my car, and then come back to the driver’s window. He then asked what WE should do about the matter? And I asked him what he would like to do? So I suggested that I get let of with a warning, because I did not know that my break lights were not working. The metro cop then walked to the passenger door, opened it and searches my car whilst still asking me how we can solve the matter? I said that I did not know, because I’m a student. He then asked, “don’t you have anything? Not even food for me?”. After replying no again, he let me go...

Now I would like to know, how to I go about blowing the whistle on this matter, because if it was not me he caught, I wonder how many possible bribes that these cops are making off motorists? This is quite shocking to have experienced and I am still flabbergasted at what happened. I can’t believe what has happened, in light of the upcoming elections. I would like to be a responsible citizen and Lead SA.

*In having written this I went back to the place I got stopped to try and sneak a picture... to my surprise they were already gone! But I have learnt my lesson, and when a situation like this arises, I must act quick, make use of my phone camera and video. I must be a responsible citizen journalist. I will not stand down and be a person that merely complains.