They say when one door closes another opens and this was definitely the case for Akido Malabela (22), a young photographer from Dukathole.<\/p>\n
A 2017 car accident resulted in Akido making the choice to no longer take part in Pantsula dancing, a traditional and highly energetic dance, but instead began to photograph it, sharing not only the unique stories behind the dance and its dancers but the community he grew up in.<\/p>
Born and bred in Germiston, Akido attended Ekurhuleni Primary School and Graceland Education Centre before he began studying photography at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community I live in influenced my decision to study photography,\u201d said Akido.<\/p>
\u201cWhen I walked around the community and watched the people going about their daily lives, I realised there are so many stories to tell.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to show people where I come from because my township inspires me.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we have is unique.\u201d<\/p>\n
Akido, now in his second year at TUT, focused a lot of his first year work on Pantsula dancing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to show not only the dancing style, but the culture and fashion that goes hand in hand with Pantsula dancing,\u201d said Akido.<\/p>\n
Though his passion for Pantsula remained strong, through his studies, the world of photography opened up for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudying helped me realise you can take photographs of flowers, buildings and so much more,\u201d said Akido.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy skills began to blossom and grow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have learnt a lot and I took that knowledge to the streets to help make my photos even more unique.\u201d<\/p>\n