South Africa might be known for its legacy of violence and brutality, however the humanity of the nation embodies still lives on within its people.
Nadine Willis approached strangers on the streets of Cape Town and asked them to participate in a social experiment. The idea was to document a series of portraits of individuals' who had never previously met.
My journey began on the streets of Cape Town in St Georges Mall.
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Approaching strangers' wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. The truth is that not many people are comfortable with the idea of touching or being touched by a complete stranger - and even less so being photographed together intimately.
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The objective was to highlight the love and contentment strangers could feel towards one another. At first it was daunting and the hesitance within the subjects' was clear but after explaining the concept behind the experiment they agreed to participate.
The photographs tell the story of a nation filled with kindness and love, one where humanity within strangers' from different walks of life trumps the negative association the world might have of the people of Mzansi.
Soul sisters unite, from (left)
&
. Credit: Nadine Willis
At first glance we see three female companions enjoying the scenery the streets of Cape Town has to offer.
You would never guess that minutes before these three women were strangers to one another.
The 'it couple' from (left) Jody Blount & Khuselwa Ncwana. Credit: Nadine Willis
At first glance we see a couple in love and wouldn't question their relationship because of the look of genuine affection between them.
Two hearts beat as one... from (left) Daniel de la Cruz & Grace Upton. Credit: Nadine Willis
They were uncomfortable with the idea of being photographed with one another but the outcome portrays an authentic love between them.
Love does not see skin colour from (left) Pap Thiam & Unknown. Credit: Nadine Willis
This is probably my favourite image from the series.
The love, contentment and respect the subjects have for one another emanates from the photograph.
Despite the fact that they were requested to show a brief, fake sign of affection what I was able to capture on camera highlights the genuine spirit of humanity and that is truly a beautiful thing.
Brother from another mother from (left) Lyle van Niekerk & Ayafika Gumede. Credit: Nadine Willis
When I asked them to participate in the experiment they were reluctant but later agreed.
The final image tells a story about strangers who are able to share mutual respect for one another without judging the other.
Proud Mom Moment from (left) Yulanda Marron & Kutse Mzini. Credit: Nadine Willis
Once again the individuals' in the photograph seem to share a unique bond and don't come across as strangers, instead the woman appears to be a proud mom.
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South Africa is not perfect and the current state of the nation forces one to question our future. Although we are no strangers to hardship and struggle, there are people with good hearts who surround us on a daily basis; all we need to do is have a little faith in ourselves.
Ubuntu lives on…