The Central University of Technology congratulates former student and self-taught photographer Bongani Tshabalala, who was recently selected as South Africa’s National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2022 in the Portraiture category of the Open competition.

The National Awards program is an initiative set up by the World Photography Organisation and Sony to support local photographic communities worldwide, with 61 countries taking part this year.

“Mr Tshabalala’s achievement is an inspiration to us, as it represents the entrepreneurial drive and spirit of CUT students who are the backbone of many innovations and entrepreneurial actions that are synonymous with the university”, said Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

Tshabalala studied Mechanical Engineering at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, whilst never giving up on his dream of becoming a professional visual artist.

Tshabalala’s image titled ‘Montsho’, secured him the win. A self-taught photographer whose contemporary style narrates stories about African people, Tshabalala is driven by creating a more diverse picture and inspired by the stories and faces of his subjects. He usually aims his camera at subjects other than himself, in high focus and sharp contrast between dark and light, framing with artistic agency unique and engaging depictions of South African male beings. Tshabalala uses his place of birth as an inspiration to tell current stories happening in townships. His subjects are often people he discovers on the streets and finds interesting.

As one of the winners from 61 countries, Bongani Tshabalala’s image will be part of an exhibition at the Somerset House in London that begins in April.

Caption

Bongani Tshabalala’s award-winning image is titled ‘Montsho’.