Through our programmatic interventions, we have worked with over 200 artists, tradespeople, from communities across the Western and Eastern Cape since November 2019. Our programmes provide art education, mentorship, and inspiration for creative capstone projects. We approach this work with constant innovation and creativity, stemming from when we filmed Xhosa theatre productions for our virtual theatre festival in July 2020.
We are developing an online learning platform offering
Continuing the tradition established by our Intro to DSLR Photography programme 2020, we are excited to offer an enhanced experience for young and aspiring photographers. Building on the success of our previous initiative, this upcoming 4-month journey includes 3 months of intensive DSLR instruction followed by a month dedicated to a public group exhibition and reception in early December. Throughout the programme, participants will dive deep into DSLR techniques with personalized mentorship from industry professionals, detailed technical guidance, challenging assignments, and active group critiques. This immersive experience is designed for beginners, aspiring photographers, and those with untapped potential, aiming to foster creativity, support growth, and provide a solid foundation in both artistic and commercial aspects of photography.
By carrying forward the momentum from our Intro to DSLR Photography programme 2020, our goal remains steadfast: to empower a wider demographic of young photographers with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the industry.
We are thrilled to introduce this year's cohort of photographers, guided by Malusi Ngqwemla of smn_gllry and Zizo Bongekile Manona of Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa. This talented group includes Winley, Siphenathi, Mpho, Siyamthanda, Sisipho, Zanele, and Yonelisa.
Over the next four months, they will embark on a transformative journey, starting with three months of intensive instruction in DSLR techniques. The programme features mentorship from industry professionals, technical lessons, assignments, and group critiques, culminating in a public exhibition and reception in early December.
The cohort will focus on three key areas: technical foundation, artistic exploration, and business development. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants refine their skills while gaining valuable insights into the photography industry. Designed for beginners and aspiring photographers, this programme will help them grow creatively and professionally.
Their work will be exhibited at the Central Library in Cape Town.
We extend our gratitude to Bulumko Gana, Nobukho Nqaba, Andy Mkosi, Andile Phewa, Sithembele Junior, Mbali Kubule, Vanessa Huss, and Lonwabile Gwaxa. Orms Cape Town School of Photography, Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha, Central Library Art Gallery in Cape Town, and the National Lotteries Commission.
Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa (isiXhosa for ‘Culture and Art’) is a registered South African NPO based in Woodstock, Cape Town. Founded in November 2019, its vision and mission is to develop and promote arts and culture, showcase creativity, and support artists as they create sustainable livelihoods. With the generous counsel of our board of directors, and in partnership with private and corporate sponsors, we aim to uplift new talent under the mentorship of experienced arts community members.
We advertise and recruit artists, hire educators, and host workshops. Additionally, we organize technical training and business development programmes, commission new artwork and performances, curate gallery exhibits, invite industry guest speakers, and liaise with the press.
We approach our work with a renewed sense of innovation and creativity that dates back to the filming of theatrical productions for our virtual theatre festival in July 2020, and has remained a constant ever since.
The digital artworks produced during the programme can be purchased in the store section of this website. By making the exhibition publicly available online, the organization is showing its willingness to continue adopting online platforms that can be easily accessed on a digital device. The online exhibit is modeled on a walk-in gallery, and is a fascinating, vibrant space, that can be enjoyed by many no matter their locale.
Additionally, we plan on touring the digital artworks to local schools, to spark creativity and possibilities in others, so that they, too, can ‘see beyond the imaginarium’.
Our latest initiative is Digitalized Possibilities: Seeing Beyond The Imaginarium, an interdisciplinary research and digital arts programme funded with a PESP-4 grant supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). The programme featured an online exhibit of digital self-portraits created by aspiring arts-based women creatives. A cohort of five attended weekly sessions guided by experienced facilitators and industry mentors. The report will be available to download on our website in English and isiXhosa. We are eagerly awaiting the findings and online launch of the report as this intensive component of the programme draws to a conclusion.
In December 2022, following Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa's announcement of an Open Call for isiXhosa Short Plays, "Umlibo: An anthology of isiXhosa short plays" was brought to life on the stage in Cape Town, Western Cape. The productions took place on March 16, 17, and 18, featuring the debut of two new original isiXhosa plays and showcasing a total of five newly developed scripts.
Inkcbueko Nezobugcisa is proud to announce that Wanda Nyakathisa (of Mfuleni) and Siyamtanda Mntumni (of Kraaifontein) have completed Cal Arts’ intensive Graphic Design Specialization course, and have been awarded professional certificates.
For three months, the young designers met weekly in Vrygrond with Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa’s Zizo Bongekile Manona, who guided them through the fundamentals of graphic design, image-making, typography, and brand development, including a survey of notable South African designers and media outlets. In consultation with Ms. Manona and three design industry veterans, the two students developed an original portfolio and brand concept, refined their presentation skills, and ultimately secured paying work as freelance designers.
Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa wishes to thank Sinalo Ngcaba, Masonwabe Ntloko, and An Selschotter for their generous counsel, and ASSITEJ South Africa for the use of their office space.
An anthology of original xhosa short stories
Over the course of five months, renowned South African playwright Fatima Dike guided four promising Xhosa authors from the Amathole and OR Tambo districts through a series of drafts and revisions, helping to refine their original work.
Authors Colleen Mapatwana (of Butterworth), Bulelani Yaguga (of Port St. Johns), Ntuthuzelo Mgwebi (of Libode), and Nandi Magalane (of Ngqeleni) also met virtually to speak with other published writers and industry veterans, to better understand the publishing landscape. Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa editors and staff then worked closely with each author to edit their text and ready it for print.
Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa is in awe of the authors’ creativity and dedication. The NPO also wishes to also thank Shanice Aaliyah, Niq Mhlongo, Mervyn Sloman, Lunga Mampana, Michael Arendse, Masixole Njumbuxa, Nomveliso Nel, An Selschotter, Barbara Garton, Katie Kuchle, Natalie Gaudreau, Adam Edwards, and Curtis Witt for their guidance.
Two young fashion designers from Lwandle and Khayelitsha brought their sketchpads to life.
Designers Nomava Mgidi, 27 (of Lwandle) and Bulumko Siyavuya Roqoza, 27 (of Khayelitsha) consider the South African Queer -space through the lens of fashion, and seek to educate and upend stereotypes. Over the course of six weeks, the artists evaluated contemporary galleries and boutiques, refined their social message, and worked collaboratively to design a series of custom pieces, model, and set concepts.
Their vision was photographed at Roodebloem Studios in Cape Town, and will tour the Western Cape through 2021.
Photo credits to Zizo Bongekile Manona and Nontyatyambo Kubule, with modeling credit to Bayas Anjeba, Yamkela Pokwana, Thembekile Mabongo, Senzo Bacela, Thobela Langeni, and Yolanda Nqakala. Special thanks to Jess Holdengarde, Kateni Moreku, Proud to Sprout, Vuvu Luseti, Ella Petousis, Fezile Gqotile, Emeccaimages, Siki's Kofee Kafe, Jan Verboom, and Nwabisa Lisa.
Under the tutelage of Nobukho Nqaba of UCT and Zizo Bongekile Manona of Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa, five photography students participated in a week-long DSLR photography training workshop featuring industry guest lectures, technical instruction, nightly assignment briefs, and group critiques.
Their work has hung in exhibit at both Zeitz MOCAA and 16 on Lerotholi Gallery in Langa. Additional thanks to Bulumko Gana, Sithembele Junior, Sipho Mpongo, Thulani Fesi, Mimi Dokoda, and the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha.
A pandemic arts economic stimulus: Live performances without audiences filmed at the Black Box Theatre in South Delft, including a Zabalaza Theatre Festival award-winner, and distributed online. In July of 2020, Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa, Umbono Art Media of Khayelitsha, and the Black Box Theatre in South Delft coordinated four professionally filmed live isiXhosa theatre performances. Homeless People (dir. Siyabonga Nyaniso), EGoli The Musical (dir. Bongani Titana), Azania (dir. Xola Mziwakhe), and First Accused (dir. Mava Silumko, Best of Zabalaza 2020) feature over two dozen cast and crew members from across the Western Cape. Filmed without an audience under pandemic restrictions, the directors and camera crew were free to adapt each play and stage a more creative and intimate production.
Special thanks to Sisa Makaula, Rainbow Arts Organisation, Black Box Theatre, Mdu Kweyama, Nwabisa Lisa, UCT Baxter Theatre Centre, and the Zabalaza Theatre Festival.
