Latest news with #JusticeMukheli
News24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News24
5 minutes with photographer Justice Mukheli - ‘I have achieved my dreams'
___________________________________________________________________ The art of film and photography has a way of telling stories words simply can't. The visual arts can pull you in and mesmerises you in a way that is unexpected. In a one-on-one with TRUELOVE, photographer and filmmaker Justice Mukheli tells us more about himself and his loved art. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justice Mukheli (@justicemukheli) How did life in Soweto, where you grew up, influence your career choice? I used growing up in Soweto as a resource. I tap into for inspiration and lived experience to give the work that I do more depth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justice Mukheli (@justicemukheli) What is it about photography and film directing that fulfils and gives you a sense of purpose? Photography and film have been beautiful artistic mediums for me because they have become an extension of how I see the world beyond reality and celebrate with others the history and nuance of my life as well as those of other black people who have been overlooked. What made your professional debut in your industry? I used to work in advertising, where I saw a huge gap in representation of how we are looked at and portrayed as black people. There weren't enough black photographers I could brief on projects that targeted blacks. That led me to take an interest in photography. I then met a producer who suggested that I should try film. The rest, as they say, is history. Which artist or photographer inspires you? Locally, I'm inspired by musician Anatii. He is well-rounded. His work has depth and his music is layered with textures of culture and our heritage. I am also drawn to visual artist Cinga Samson's work. I admire their work. Your twin brother, Fhatuwani, is also an artist. How has it been working with him in the same industry? What sets your brand apart from his? My brother is amazing at his work and he inspires me. As much as we are twins and work in the same field, we both have different artistic voices. The subjects and themes we explore and unpack are different. We also have different purposes and intentions with our work. Opening Studio Mukheli with his brother You opened Studio Mukheli with your brother in September. Tell us more about it. We opened the studio shortly after returning from Morocco on a project, we were working on as photographers. Together with a group of friends, we started a project called I See a Different You a few years ago. But after that, we didn't work together for a while until recently. After photographing a recent campaign, our love for working together was rekindled. Upon our return, we formalised the studio as a collaborative duo on special projects as photographers, film directors and artists. What social dialogue and issues do you aim to address through your work? Currently, I am exploring two themes. The first is masculinity and redefining it for myself. As an '80s baby, I was born in an era that was transitioning into a time when sexuality was a topic and conversation the country took on and created a space for everyone to be whatever and whoever they wanted to be in their sexual orientation. The second theme is spirituality. Being raised Christian, I felt that finding my religion and experience connecting with my ancestry was limiting, which I am exploring through my work. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE INSIDE SHOW (@theinside_show) How he would like to be remembered As someone who inspired others to see that it is possible to achieve anything you want if you work hard and are consistent. I have pursued and achieved my dreams relative to what was meant for me. Show Comments ()
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
inDrive celebrates Freedom Day by revitalising Soweto's spaza shops with free wi-fi
inDrive's campaign reflects a commitment to not just transport but also community upliftment, recognising the importance of localised support in a globalised economy Image: Supplied This Freedom Day, Soweto isn't merely marking 31 years of democracy — it's embracing a leap into the future. inDrive, the global e-hailing platform, celebrates its sixth-year milestone in South Africa by teaming up with Soweto creatives and local businesses to champion the freedom of movement. While acknowledging the journey that brought us here, inDrive and Soweto are celebrating how far the township has come and what's possible today. 'Soweto is moving, and inDrive is moving with it,' says Ashif Black, Country Representative in South Africa at inDrive. 'Our focus is on freedom of choice – who you ride with, how much you pay, and how you move.' As part of the campaign, inDrive partnered with Soweto-born twin brothers, Fhatuwani and Justice Mukheli of I See A Different You, to create a striking wall mural that stands as a beacon of empowerment and community pride. Alongside this, inDrive has also revamped 14 spaza shops across Soweto — improving these vital local businesses with fresh new branding and providing free wi-fi access for their customers, ensuring these community hubs remain connected and accessible. Local artists, Fhatuwani and Justice Mukheli Image: Supplied 'These murals and shop revamps are more than aesthetic upgrades – they're direct bridges to opportunity,' adds Black. 'Accessibility, affordability, and authentic local creativity are at the heart of this initiative. By providing free wi-fi at these spaza shops, we're supporting the everyday spaces where Sowetans gather, shop, and connect.' This campaign forms part of inDrive's global brand identity, which is centred on the belief that challenging injustice and empowering people through access and choice is essential to driving real change. Across all the markets where it operates, inDrive's mission is to level the playing field — whether through its fair ride-hailing model or through community upliftment projects like this. Now in its sixth year on South African streets, inDrive marks this growth milestone by deepening its commitment in Soweto. Rather than a soft launch, this campaign celebrates cumulative progress: thousands of safe, affordable rides negotiated by riders and drivers alike, and a community embracing choice. Image: Supplied With inDrive's peer-to-peer model, this provides freedom of choice for both the passenger and driver with negotiable fares, direct-route options, and transparent driver profiles, making everyday commutes a personalised experience: Negotiate your fare: Riders suggest what they'll pay, drivers accept – no hidden fees and unexpected hikes. Riders suggest what they'll pay, drivers accept – no hidden fees and unexpected hikes. Choose your route: Direct trips mean less waiting, fewer transfers, more time for what matters. Direct trips mean less waiting, fewer transfers, more time for what matters. Select your driver: Profiles, ratings, and preferences put you in control. 'It's simple: freedom of movement is empowerment; we strongly believe in this philosophy, and we also offer the lowest commission fees in the country for drivers, allowing a fair earning,' says Black. 'This translates to great value for our users as they enjoy the freedom to choose how they move. Every ride on inDrive is a vote for choice, fairness, and opportunity.' While Freedom Day commemorates the remarkable journey since April 27, 1994, inDrive's Soweto celebration looks forward. It's not about fixing the past — it's about amplifying the power of mobility today and into the future.
