Category: Stories

Remembering Nelson Mandela: A Visionary Leader’s Impact.

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Remembering Nelson Mandela: A Visionary Leader’s Impact.

MADIBA DAY.

Remembering Nelson Mandela: A Visionary Leader’s Impact.

Today we celebrate the stories of our photographers who have documented certain events in Nelson Mandelas Life.

A billboard of Nelson Mandela. A group of young men standing on top of the billboard.

Nelson Mandela’s Enduring Influence: Justice and Unity.

Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, politician, and statesman. Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa. Mandela dedicated his life to dismantling apartheid—a system of racial segregation enforced by the government. His journey included imprisonment, negotiations, and ultimately becoming South Africa’s first Black president in 1994. Mandela’s legacy extends beyond politics; his commitment to justice, equality, and human rights continues to inspire generations worldwide.

Photo by Keith Bernstein
Madiba Dancing with School Children – Keith Bernstein.
A better life for all – – Keith Bernstein.
Madiba Sitting in his home – Keith Bernstein.
Photo by Keith Bernstein.

Capturing Mandela: Keith Bernstein’s Iconic Photography

Keith Bernstein, a seasoned photographer, has left an indelible mark through his extensive work capturing Nelson Mandela’s life. His career began after leaving school, with his first paid job photographing The Clash at London’s Rainbow Theatre. Bernstein had the privilege of extensively photographing Mandela—from his election as president until his 90th birthday. Many of Bernstein’s pictures of Mandela now form a traveling exhibition organized by Global Citizen. His images provide a unique reflection of Mandela’s various moods and modes, capturing both public and private moments. Notably, Mandela once shared with Bernstein that the greatest moment of his life was meeting The Spice Girls—an unexpected and endearing revelation. Keith Bernstein’s photographs immortalize Mandela’s legacy, offering glimpses into the soul of a remarkable leader.

View Keiths Exhibition Memories Of Mandela, Exhibited at Mandela Center in Johannesburg.

Nelson Mandela & Bill Clinton in Madiba’s Jail Cell on Robben Island – Juhan Kuus.

Nelson Mandela greeting Fidel Castro, the Cuban Leader as he arrives for the opening of the 12th Non Aligned Movement summit in Durban, 1998. Juhan Kuus
Nelson Mandela & Bill Clinton walking together out of Madiba’s Jail Cell on Robben Island – Juhan Kuus.
Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton & Hilary Clinton on Robben Island – Juhan Kuus.

Juhan Kuus: Legendary Photographer of Apartheid and Mandela

Juhan Kuus, an internationally renowned photographer, made a significant impact through his powerful work during his 45-year career. Kuus documented the apartheid era, the resistance movement, and Nelson Mandela’s journey toward the presidency. His iconic images transcend mere documentation, revealing the essence of humanity in the face of adversity. Notably, Kuus is the only photographer of Estonian descent to have won the prestigious World Press Photo Award twice. His work goes beyond news photography, delving into deeply humane stories about South African people and their traditions. One of his most famous images features Mandela and Bill Clinton together in prison on Robben Island, capturing a pivotal moment in history.

photographer Jürgen Schadeberg with Nelson Mandela and fellow photographer Alf Khumalo.
Nelson Mandela revisits his cell on Robben Island, 1994. Jurgen Schadeberg
Nelson Mandela – Jurgen Schadeberg
Nelson Mandela – Jurgen Schadeberg
Nelson Mandela – Jurgen Schadeberg
Nelson Mandela – Jurgen Schadeberg

Schadeberg’s Timeless Images: A Visual Journey of South Africa

Jürgen Schadeberg (1931–2020) was a German-born South African photographer and artist. He played a significant role in documenting South African history, capturing iconic moments such as Nelson Mandela at Robben Island prison. Schadeberg’s lens also focused on other pivotal events, including the Defiance Campaign of 1952, the 1956 Treason Trial, and the Sophiatown jazz scene. His famous photograph of Mandela peering through the bars of his prison cell remains a powerful image, recognized as one of the 50 most memorable of the 20th century. Schadeberg’s work provides a visual narrative of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and justice.

jurgen schadeberg standing infront of his photograph of Nelson mandela in his prison cell.

67 Minutes of Service Tradition:

The 67 minutes concept is central to Mandela Day.

It represents the 67 years that Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service, activism, and fighting for human rights. During his life, Mandela worked tirelessly to dismantle apartheid, promote reconciliation, and build a united South Africa. The idea is that each person contributes at least 67 minutes of their time to community service, volunteer work, or acts of kindness. This mirrors Mandela’s commitment to positive change. People engage in various activities, such as cleaning up neighbourhoods, assisting at shelters, planting trees, or supporting local charities. The goal is not just to give time but also to inspire ongoing efforts beyond that single day. How You Can Participate: On Mandela Day, consider: Volunteering at a local organisation or charity. Helping a neighbour in need. Donating food, clothing, or other essentials. Educating others about Mandela’s legacy. Advocating for social justice and equality. Remember that small actions can collectively create a significant impact.

In summary, Mandela Day and the 67 minutes tradition encourage us to honour Madiba’s legacy by actively contributing to positive change in our communities.

If you want to get invloved, visit https://www.mandeladay.com/ to see how you can help.

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Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cape Minstrels: Juhan Kuus and the Kaapse Klopse.

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Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cape Minstrels: Juhan Kuus and the Kaapse Klopse.

group of men posing for the camera, all are having a good time.

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cape Minstrels: Juhan Kuus and the Kaapse Klopse.

He possessed a certain manner that inspired trust in his subjects, granting him the privilege to capture the intimate and up-close photographs you now behold.

From Kaapse Klopse to Iconic Photos: Juhan Kuus’s Journey

Juhan Kuus, the renowned South African photojournalist, had a unique way of connecting with Cape Town locals. His inquisitive nature led him to befriend and closely interact with the subjects he captured through his lens. The trust he built allowed him to take intimate, up-close photographs that reveal the essence of his subjects. In one classic image, Juhan spends quality time with a group of Kaapse Klopse, also known as the Cape Minstrels.

Beyond 1994, South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and heritage gained global recognition. In Cape Town, a vibrant tourist destination, the annual Minstrel Festival takes center stage on January 1st, known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year). During this festive event, thousands of people adorned in colorful attire parade through the city streets as part of organized Klopse troupes. Their performances, including singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, have become an integral part of Cape Town’s popular culture. Understanding the festival’s history and significance within the broader context of South African heritage is essential.

Read more about the Kaapse Klopse here: https://www.capetownmagazine.com/kaapse-klopse


Man singing as part of the group of Cape Minstrels.
Man singing as part of the group of Cape Minstrels.
group of Cape Minstrels, signing and dancing together.
group of Cape Minstrels, signing and dancing together.

During the late 1990s, Kuus immersed himself in the vibrant world of the Cape Minstrels. These colorful and spirited performers, with their flamboyant costumes and lively music, captivated him. He spent countless hours documenting their lives, parades, and celebrations. His lens captured the essence of their culture, the rhythm of their songs, and the joy that radiated from their performances.

In 2001, Kuus unveiled his photographic series titled “Cape Minstrels Carnival”. The collection showcased the exuberance, resilience, and rich heritage of the community. Each photograph was a testament to their spirit, their history, and their place in South African society.

The images revealed the intricate details of their costumes—the sequins, feathers, and bold colors that adorned their outfits. Kuus’s lens also captured the sweat on their brows as they danced and sang through the streets of Cape Town. These were not just photographs; they were visual narratives that transported viewers into the heart of the carnival.


Cape Minstrels queuing behind a broken down car
Two women cheering on the Cape Mintrels sitting in a bus.
group of cape minstrels in a bus on their way to the event.
group of cape minstrels in a bus playing instruments on their way to the event.
three cape minstrels laughing at each other
Close up photo of two cape minstrels singing. Both are missing their front teeth.
crowd of by standers cheering on the cape minstrels.
Man painted in white crossing the photo whilst by standers cheer him on behind.
two kids smiling with their faces painted.
lady like man smiling for the camera, dressed in cape minsttrel clothing.

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Juhan Kuus – Christian Zion Church

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Juhan Kuus – Christian Zion Church
Group of men baptising a man in the river in South Africa.

ZION CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Juhan spent a considerable amount of time going back and forth to document these gatherings and captured some truly remarkable images.


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.

Man dancing in the gravel infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.

Man dancing in the gravel infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.
Man in uniform posing for the camera in the infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.


portrait of a male journalist with a plaster and blood on his face.

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.


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Discovering District Six: A Captivating Photographic Journey.

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Discovering District Six: A Captivating Photographic Journey.

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.
Woman leaving house in Bo Kaap, Cape Town street 1050s. Photo by Ginger Odes. Gallery F
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 forcably 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.
Gallery F, photographer Gunther Komnick, Gavin Furlonger, Sean Furlonger, Cape Town Gallery, photography gallery, photography Cape Town, apartheid, Cape Town, Cape Town art gallery, journalism, South African journalism, press photography, street photography, Cape Town street photography, District Six photography
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.
Gallery F, Juhan Kuus, Gavin Furlonger, Sean Furlonger, Cape Town Gallery, photography gallery, photography Cape Town, apartheid, Cape Town, Cape Town art gallery, journalism, South African journalism, press photography, street photography, Cape Town street photography, District Six corner Street
District Six, Cape Town. 1970s. Suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town from which whole communities were forcibly removed by the Apartheid government.
Gallery F, Juhan Kuus, Gavin Furlonger, Sean Furlonger, Cape Town Gallery, photography gallery, photography Cape Town, apartheid, Cape Town, Cape Town art gallery, journalism, South African journalism, press photography, street photography, Cape Town street photography, District Six corner Street
District Six, Cape Town. 1970s. Suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town from which whole communities were forcibly removed by the Apartheid government.
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