Cape Town - It is easy, in this age of selfies, to dismiss a family portrait as something your grandparents used to do. That is, until you have one done and it changes your self-image.
Just ask the Rock Girl NGO participants who began to tell their stories of what it’s like being a teenager in one of Cape Town’s most dangerous communities.
India Baird, founder of Rock Girl, an NGO for vulnerable girls, said the organisation was inspired five years ago while visiting Red River Primary in Manenberg.
“Girls at the school said they weren’t safe to leave the school grounds.”
They helped turn open spaces on the school grounds into play areas where children can spend their breaks.
When asked what was the most beautiful thing was about their community, they replied: “Family”. As part of the ongoing programme, the girls were asked to have their family portraits taken.
Photographer Sipho Mpongo, who spent three hours capturing over 300 people, said he was happy to be part of a movement in changing the way people thought.
“If you want to change you have to start with your mind or thoughts.
“As an artist I’m trying to shape the reality of those broken realities, to try and show them another side to life.”
Mpongo, who lives in Langa, said when he photographed the families, they all said they wanted to have their pictures taken and have their lives celebrated.
“I shot for three hours and everyone was smiling. We need to celebrate our families.”
To observe 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, US Consulate General Patrick Gaspard - in partnership with the Cape Town Central Library - launched the exhibition on Monday.
Gaspard said while it may be a short drive from Manenberg to Stellenbosch, the differences between the two communities were vast. “I was in Manenberg visiting the school and had to be in Stellenbosch after that. It was a short drive there but it was clear to see the disparities between the two.”
He added that you get a personal glimpse into the lives of pupils from Red River Primary and their families through the poignant series of photos.
“Through these intimate images we can witness the strong bonds of love and family that knit a community together and serve as a bulwark against the violence that threatens to tear it apart.”
JP Smith, the safety and security mayoral committee member, said more women died from domestic violence than gang violence.
“Domestic violence is a larger cause of violence.”
Everett Poole, the principal of Red River Primary, said teachers had to guide and protect children at school, especially during exam time. “They are safer at schools than at home.”
Cape Argus