JUST NOW, SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, "just now" is an expression that can be quite confusing to those unfamiliar with local slang. Despite its seemingly immediate connotation, "just now" actually means "later" or "in a while." The timeframe is vague and can range from a few minutes to even several hours, but it does not imply an immediate action or occurrence. It's one of those uniquely South African expressions that reflect the relaxed and somewhat flexible approach to time.
More than thirty years after the end of apartheid and the first democratic elections, South Africa is still grappling with many problems and challenges in the post-apartheid era. Although many coloured and black individuals have ascended to the middle or upper classes, unemployment remains elevated. The establishment of democratic institutions and efforts towards social reconciliation are significant achievements. However, progress seems to have benefited only a small portion of the population, while many struggle to emerge and gain recognition in a country where white people have somehow managed to retain their privileges. The ANC (Mandela's party) failed to deliver wellbeing in the long term, corruption within the government and various institutions further undermines progress. Ignored by the political system in which they had placed great hopes, many South Africans risk becoming invisible.
Despite the economic inequalities and high murder rate that make it one of the most unsafe countries in the world, I couldn't help but notice their resilience and their creative and cheerful approach towards life that characterizes South Africans.
All the photographs have been taken in 35mm film between 2019 and 2025. This project is still in development.
"I look at an ant and i see myself: a native South African, endowed by nature with a strength much greater than my size so I might cope with the weight of a racism that crushes my spirit.
I look at a bird and I see myself: a native South African, soaring above the injustices of apartheid on wings of pride,
the pride of a beautiful people.
I look at a stream and I see myself: a native South African, flowing irresistibly over hard obstacles until they become smooth and, one day, disappear-flowing from an origin that has been forgotten toward an end that will never be".
Miriam Makeba - My Story
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