The vibrant and often untold stories of the Fynbos and Buffalo Flats communities were brought into sharp focus at a recent photography exhibition hosted by the Khanya Youth & Community Development Centre.
Held on Freedom Day, the showcase featured work by six young photographers aged between eight and 17, captured over a six-month period from August 2025 to January 2026.
The project aimed to give young creatives a platform to document their surroundings, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life, challenges and triumphs in their communities.
Participants were also taught basic journalistic skills, including how to approach and engage with people when taking photographs.
The centre, based on Dunoon Road, continues to serve as a hub for grassroots development, empowering youth through skills development and creative expression.
The exhibition reflected the participants’ technical growth, with many images capturing raw, candid moments of community life. For the young photographers, the project became more than just a lesson in composition and lighting — it was a chance to tell their own stories.
The initiative was spearheaded by Underdogg founder Mark Fredericks and Walter Sisulu University senior lecturer and former Go! editor Keshina Thaver.
Fredericks said the idea was always to give the work a public platform.
“People would see us walking around taking photos, but in the back of my mind I knew these photographs needed to be printed and displayed somewhere,” he said.
Although the programme initially attracted about 40 registrations, attendance fluctuated, with six participants remaining consistent until the end.
“They have become good photographers, and some of them have mastered using a manual camera very quickly,” Fredericks said.
“They listen, they apply what they learn, and they grow.”
Fredericks described photography as a tool for connection.
“I see photography as visual empathy, because you can’t take a photo of someone without engaging with them first.
“Many people may never have seen their photographs printed before, but now they can see themselves represented here at the centre.”
He said the programme had given the young photographers a sense of purpose and permanence.
“It gives me great satisfaction to know that these youngsters have given some form of permanence to relative strangers,” he said. Fredericks said there are plans to expand the programme to local schools, including Amalinda Forest.
“It’s important for parents to support initiatives like this.
“These children are here because their parents are backing them.
“I’m proud that we’ve helped them see things differently.”
For 17-year-old grade 12 pupil Joaquin Gunn from George Randell High, the programme sparked a passion.
“I started taking photos in 2025, but when I joined the group, my passion really grew,” he said.
One of his favourite photographs on display shows a man cleaning the streets.
“I felt like I captured something special because not many people pay attention to that kind of work,” he said.
Gunn said the programme also helped him overcome his shyness.
“At the beginning, I couldn’t even speak to people properly.
“I was too intimidated to approach strangers,” he said.
“Now I can express myself. I’ve gained confidence and I’m not afraid anymore.”
Arum Lackay, 12, a grade 6 pupil from Buffalo Flats Primary, said the experience has improved both his skills and how he spends his time.
“I’m a better photographer now. The way I use lighting and angles has completely changed,” Lackay said.
“I enjoy my weekends more. Before, I would just sit at home on my phone, but now I look forward to these sessions.”
Gunn’s mother, Fritzleen McAllister, said she has seen a noticeable change in her son.
“He’s always been shy, but now he’s more confident and expressive,” McAllister said.
“We spent more than R2,000 to buy him a camera for Christmas, and he takes it everywhere. People are starting to recognise him and ask him to take their pictures.”
She praised the centre’s work.
“Khanya is really showing the community what’s possible. As a parent, I’m grateful for what they are doing for our children,” she said.
Khanya board member John Bennett said the programme grew from earlier collaborations.
“Before Covid-19, we invited Mark to be part of our film club.
“The children weren’t initially interested in the technical side, but his engaging approach sparked something.”
That interest eventually evolved into broader creative initiatives, including photography and video production.
Bennett emphasised the importance of supporting such programmes.
“We live in a fractured society, and many of our communities are still dealing with the legacy of apartheid,” he said.
“Initiatives like this help rebuild confidence and create opportunities for young people.”
He called on both government and the private sector to invest in community-based projects.
“If we engage young people through sport, arts and culture, we can steer them away from negative influences and get them involved in meaningful activities.
“It’s about encouraging them to think and to tell their own stories.”
Bennett also expressed hope that more schools would adopt similar initiatives.
“Most children have access to cameras through their phones.
“Photography can be a powerful educational tool, helping them document history and understand their communities.”
