My name is Sibusiso Nzimande also known as CUBS, a visual storyteller who’s always curious and forever creating. A strategic thinker who specialises in building brands and forming meaningful relationships. I’m constantly inspired by my environments from the people I meet, the stories they share, the spaces I visit, and products I’ve come to love. I have a passion for film and photography, personal style, and conceptualizing creative concepts which I integrate with my interest in strategic branding via social media.
Paulo Menezes is a photographer based in Durban, South Africa. His work in documentary photography has allowed him to explore numerous spaces and subject matter both locally and internationally. With a keen interest in the archiving potential of photography, a large portion of his work naturally depicts Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
Paulo is a former Vice Chairperson of the Durban Center for Photography (DCP) – a collective of photographers under the guidance of influential photographer and activist, Peter McKenzie. The collective realised a number of documentary projects and exhibitions, both locally and internationally, as well as facilitated educational programmes where Paulo took on the role of a mentor.
Thobani K-WRESTLEWITHGOD (b.1988), is a freelance image maker from Eskebheni (Inanda, South Africa), born in a tin house that was given to his family as temporary shelter after land dispossession caused by the erection of Inanda Dam. Thobani has an Honours degree in Media and Cultural Studies, as well as Masters in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has worked at HEARD research institute as an ethnographer, working in informal settlements around Durban. He was recently a participant in the ARTLAB Mentorship Programme.
Mandisa Buthelezi is a photographer and film director/producer who was raised in Durban and is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a vast portfolio that communicates the rural voice, and an appreciation and respect for the culture that has informed her perspective, she is keen on providing photographic and film content that is culturally centered and explores notions of identity and spirituality.
Cataloguing and documenting African culture through visual art has become an important component of her work through assignments.
Growing up in the township of KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal and attending primary school in the same town is one of the strongest memories I have about my neighbourhood. The times I spent with my late grandmother Miss Dombi Chiliza and the people I shared my life with at that moment in time in my early childhood, influence the work I create. “I can’t imagine a world without photography – capturing a unique moment in time that will never be repeated” (Gigi Williams).
Niamh Walsh-Vorster is a Durban-based writer, independent photographer, and creative producer. She graduated in 2014 with a BJourn from Rhodes University in Makhanda, South Africa.
Niamh is co-founder and editor of the award-winning e-zine, Ja. Magazine. She has exhibited photographic work in group shows at galleries, and independently in various public spaces. In 2016, Niamh was the recipient of a BASA Arts Journalism Award for her review in Ja. Magazine. She has worked with the Durban Center for Photography under the leadership of legendary AfraPix photographer, Peter McKenzie. She was part of the third Incubator Programme at The Market Photo Workshop, 2017 – 2018 in Johannesburg, mentored by Angela Buckland. More recently, Niamh was project manager of the ARTLAB Mentorship programme, which worked with 30 KZN-based creatives in photography, design, and fashion. She was mentor to 10 emerging photographers.
