Introducing the Next Generation of Young South African Creatives

Mzoxolo x Mayongo (x, formerly Christopher) is a conceptual artist and activist who is currently studying a BA in Fine Art and Anthropology at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

Multifaceted in his approach, Mayongo’s skills include performance, photography, installation and sculpture. He unpacks conceptual ideas about the human condition, interrogating our complexities.

The agency his work has provided him has prompted Mayongo to take charge and use his artistic voice to become an advocate for social justice. He is working to address men through an initiative called TalkingMEN.

Basetsana Maluleka is a self-taught photographer from Mamelodi in Pretoria. Speaking on her decision to leave the world of finance to pursue photography, Basetsana notes "I decided to venture out into photography full-time and that was the best decision I have ever made"

The figures hold difficult ballet positions which symbolise  the discomfort one must go through in order to grow and develop. 

In her Constant series, the photographer explores personal relationships and how she relates to love. The figures in the works hold green leaves which symbolise growth and self reflection.

Johannesburg based illustrator and designer Luthando Mfabe uses design and technology as a way in which to work towards solving social issues. 

This particular work is inspired by the Fulani people from West Africa. 

Manuela Ohsiek is an illustrator who uses shapes, textures and colours to create 3-Dimensional illustrations.

Most of her work is created for children  “My favourite projects are the kind in which I have to opportunity to illustrate or design for children as I myself am a big fan of children's books and movies that are aimed at children,” she says.

Former school teacher Mondli Kunene uses his painting to foster social change. 

In an interview with the South African news channel News24 in 2021, Kunene noted that he started making art because he "wanted to tell our own stories authentically" going on to say "if we don’t,  other people will tell our stories for us.” 

Rofhiwa Mudau is currently a student at Umuzi Academy where he says he has learned to use human centred design to solve problems and innovate. 

In his series of work entitled Game Changer, Rofhiwa has created portraits of celebrated South African creatives as a way in which to inspire the youth.

The works act as  ''inspiration to influence a positive work flow to the career or the job of your dreams.''

Johannesburg-based illustrator Simphiwe Mangole says that getting into trouble for drawing in his textbooks was a weekly routine. Now, the 25-year-old illustrator and designer is happy to report that he does it for a living. His is work, influenced by popular graffiti and cartoons like Dragon Ball Z, features bold linework, colour and urban subject matter.

His is work, influenced by popular graffiti and cartoons like Dragon Ball Z, features bold linework, colour and urban subject matter. He attributes his daring approach to design to where he grew up. He describes it as a nowhere coal mining town called Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal.

He attributes his daring approach to design to where he grew up. He describes it as a nowhere coal mining town called Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal.

 It’s the type of small town atmosphere that forces a young person to be creative to deal with the boredom.

Technology and personal expression are combined in the work of Shaline Naicker. The fashion designer incorporates technology into her work to produce innovative wearable art. 

Her designs include a photochromatic lens that is usually used by optical companies who manufacture lenses for glasses.

Photography student Lorraine Raaths established her company, Pure Entity Photography, in October 2016. Her diverse portfolio includes fashion photography, conceptual art, fine art, surrealist expressions, product shoots and food.

It’s easy to spot that her passion for photography grew from an interest in fiction and storytelling. 

Now that her medium of storytelling has become more visual, she explores topics such as gender, womanhood and social stigma.

Lunga Ntila is a visual artist who uses storytelling to evoke emotion.

“I am in love with storytelling, and in many ways, I try and have some sort of a story in my images and artworks,” she explains.