The ZCC, the largest and fastest-growing independent church in Africa during the 1990s, boasts an estimated 2 to 6 million members across 4,000 parishes. These devoted followers primarily reside in both urban townships and rural communities. The church is commonly referred to by its abbreviation, ZCC, pronounced as “zed-see-see.”
Juhan spent a considerable amount of time going back and forth to document these gatherings and captured some truly remarkable images.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Juhan Kuus
During the height of his career from 1986 to 2000, Juhan Kuus, from Estonian descent, served as the South African correspondent for the Paris and New York editorial offices of the renowned Sipa Press Agency. Founded in France in 1973, Sipa Press Agency was a prominent name in the world of journalism.
Kuus’s impactful works graced the pages of prestigious newspapers and journals globally, including The Times, The Independent, The New York Times, Paris Match, and The Los Angeles Times. His lens captured stories that resonated across borders, leaving an indelible mark on the field of photojournalism.
DISCOVERING DISTRICT SIX: A CAPTIVATING PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY.
In District Six, cobblestone streets whispered secrets, laughter echoed off colorful facades, and love and pain danced an intricate tango. Memory’s lens captured it all—the joy of neighbors sharing stories over fragrant curries, the sorrow etched into weathered doorframes, and the ache of homes torn down. Graffiti murals defiantly preserved love, while pain seeped through cracked windows, aching for lost connections. District Six, a resilient canvas, bore witness to both community bonds and brutal displacement
Remembering District Six: Stories of Strength and Diversity.
District Six, a historic neighbourhood on the outskirts of Cape Town’s city center, has a poignant and inspiring story. Established in the 19th century as the Sixth Municipal District, it derived its name from this designation. However, its earlier unofficial moniker was ‘Kanaldorp,’ likely inspired by the network of canals crisscrossing the city. To access District Six, one had to traverse these canals (with ‘kanaal’ being the Afrikaans word for ‘canal’). Over time, the community also referred to it as ‘Kanaladorp,’ perhaps influenced by the Indonesian word for ‘please’ (‘kanala’), resulting in a fusion of meanings.
Before its tragic destruction during the Apartheid era, District Six exemplified diversity across language, religion, economic class, and geographical origin. It stood as a living testament to how diversity could strengthen a community rather than be a cause for fear. This vibrant neighbourhood included freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers, and immigrants, all closely connected to the city and its port. In stark contrast to the Apartheid government’s narrative, District Six embodied unity and resilience, challenging the divisive beliefs they sought to instill after coming to power in 1948.
District Six, Dave Levin, 1968.
Ginger Odes Fashion Shoot 1950’s
Paul Alberts, Ginger Odes, Juhan Kuus, Dave Levin, Gunther Komncik and Desmond Bowes Taylor—all armed with cameras—wandered through the vibrant streets of District Six. Their purpose? To engage with the community, capture its essence, and document its stories. District Six, before its heartbreaking destruction during the Apartheid era, was a microcosm of diversity. It transcended language, religion, economic class, and geographical origins. Within its boundaries, freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and immigrants coexisted, forming a rich tapestry of humanity.
District Six, Cape Town. 1970s. Suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town from which whole communities were forcibly removed by the Apartheid government.
Gunther Komnick, District Six. 1960’s
These photographers sought more than just images; they aimed to preserve memories. They documented the everyday lives, struggles, and resilience of the locals. Their lenses captured the spirit of a place that stood in stark contrast to the divisive ideology propagated by the Apartheid government. District Six was a living testament to the strength found in unity—a beacon of hope that challenged the oppressive narratives of the time.
Dave Levin, 1968.
Dave Levin, 1968.
Juhan Kuus, in particular, left an indelible mark. His photographs of the forced removals in District Six during the 1970s serve as haunting reminders of a community uprooted, homes demolished, and lives forever changed. Through their work, these photographers immortalized the soul of District Six, ensuring that its legacy endures even after its physical landscape was torn down.
Dave Levin, 1968.
Dave Levin, 1968.
District Six, Cape Town. 1970s. Suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town from which whole communities were forcibly removed by the Apartheid government.
District Six, Cape Town. 1970s. Suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town from which whole communities were forcibly removed by the Apartheid government.
Günther Komnick tells us the story of how he left East Prussia as a kid.
A conversation between Gavin Furlonger & Günther Komnick at his house. He tells us the story of how he found his passion for photography and how it led him to South Africa.
” From there, we escaped after three years.”
Photographer Günther Komnick, born in 1929, weaves a captivating narrative that spans continents and epochs. His journey began in the tumultuous aftermath of World War II, as he bid farewell to his childhood home in East Prussia and embarked on a life-altering odyssey.
As a young boy, Günther’s experiences were marked by hardship and resilience. Interned in a Russian labor camp alongside his mother and younger sister, he witnessed the ravages of war firsthand. Amidst the grim conditions, he discovered an enduring appreciation for life’s simplest pleasures—a crust of bread, a shared potato soup—lessons that would shape his artistic sensibilities.
In the camp’s shadows, Günther honed his innate talent for capturing the essence of humanity. His haunting sketches depicted people teetering on the precipice of existence, their vulnerability etched into every line. Fear, survival instincts, and a keen eye for danger became his companions.
At eighteen, liberated from the camp, Günther embarked on a quest for self-discovery. His path led him from northern Germany to the Black Forest, where he initially aspired to become a sculptor. However, fate intervened when Joseph Bromberger, recognizing Günther’s latent potential, guided him toward lithography. The Bromberger family embraced him, and under their mentorship, he blossomed into a skilled lithographer and graphic artist.
Switzerland beckoned next, where Günther further refined his craft. Yet destiny had other plans. An advertisement lured him to the vibrant landscapes of South Africa in 1956. Settling in Cape Town, he established his own graphic design business, infusing his work with the rich tapestry of Southern Africa, Egypt, the Middle East, and Zanzibar.
But Günther’s talents transcended mere photography. He emerged as a polymath—an artist who wielded words, colors, and images with equal mastery. His lens captured both people and landscapes, revealing the raw truth that defies temporal constraints. And as a graphic designer, he wove visual narratives that resonated far beyond the present day.
Enter Gavin Furlonger, the inquisitive interviewer. Known for his tireless efforts in archiving and preserving photographers’ legacies, Gavin’s passion intersected with Günther’s. Their conversation bridged generations, linking the era of fashion photography from the 1970s to the 2000s with the indomitable spirit of a man who continues to breathe life into each frame.
Together, Günther Komnick and Gavin Furlonger illuminate the artistry, resilience, and interconnectedness that bind the creative souls of South Africa.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Günther Komnick
“What is my intention with my photography? I cannot always find the right words to express what I feel. So I take photographs and my feelings are reflected in the images. I become part of the photographs and they become part of me. They are my impressions of the way I see the world. “
Ruvan Boshoff tells us how he aquired his signed James Soullier print.
A conversation between Gavin Furlonger & Ruvan Boshoff when he popped into the gallery to talk about how he acquired this signed print from James Soullier.
“Jimi influenced us, because he had a nice way of telling stories…It was all about telling stories.”
Ruvan embarked on his photographic journey in the early 1980s while serving in the military. His passion for capturing moments led him to explore the art of visual storytelling during his compulsory military operational service. As he honed his skills, Ruvan transitioned to professional work, joining the esteemed teams at The Star and later the Sunday Times in Johannesburg.
At these renowned publications, Ruvan collaborated with a constellation of fellow photographers, each leaving an indelible mark on South African photography. Among his esteemed colleagues were:
Juhan Kuus: A visionary photographer known for his evocative images that delved into the heart of social and political issues.
Ken Oosterbroek: A photojournalist with an unyielding commitment to documenting the tumultuous transition from apartheid to democracy.
Dale Yudelman: An artist who skillfully captured the essence of everyday life, infusing his work with authenticity and empathy.
David Sanison: A master of visual storytelling, David’s lens revealed the multifaceted tapestry of South African society.
Together, this talented cohort of photographers shaped the narrative of their nation, capturing both its struggles and triumphs through their compelling imagery. Ruvan’s contributions, alongside those of his esteemed peers, continue to resonate in the annals of South African photography.
Part One:
Part Two:
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
James Soullier
Famed for his love of his Leica camera, which he refused to move from despite his peers shifting to more modern technology, James was renowned for his passion for natural, ambient light and was never observed using a flash.
INSPIRING CHANGE.The Role of Photography in Social Justice: How Images Drive Change
Unveiling truths, empowering voices, and inspiring change through photography.
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MADIBA DAY.Remembering Nelson Mandela: A Visionary Leader’s Impact.
Today we celebrate the stories of our photographers who have documented certain events…
