Khulasande Tshayile, a proud Durban University of Technology (DUT) alumnus and DUT photographer continue to make waves with his Impilo Yasemakhaya exhibition as he recently made a meaningful visit to Mahlahla Senior Secondary School in Bulwer on Wednesday, 06 August 2025. The exhibition themes Capturing Cultural Threads combines photography, cultural preservation and education to inspire rural communities.
Through Impilo Yasemakhaya exhibition Tshayile aims to empower young learners by providing guidance on university applications, career paths and the importance of cultural heritage.
Tshayile’s passion for giving back to his community is evident in his efforts to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. His exhibitions have consistently drawn positive responses, with learners benefiting from valuable insights into potential career opportunities in the arts. By sharing his knowledge and experience, Tshayile continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in rural areas
The exhibition was held for the fourth time this year after exhibiting in Mlazi, Ntabankulu in Eastern Cape and Art Gallery at DUT City Campus.
The programme drew 121 learners from Grade 9, Grade 11, and matric, who were treated to an exhibition of striking photographs alongside talks about career planning, higher education, and self-empowerment. For Tshayile, this was more than an art display it was about planting seeds of possibility. “I wanted the young people here to know that they are not alone in their struggles, communities like ours, whether in Bulwer or in Ntabankulu, share the same challenges. But from those same challenges, beauty, talent, and success can grow,” he explained.
Tshayile said what motivated him to host his exhibition in Bulwer was his desire to show people in the area that, just like in Ntabankulu, there are people elsewhere who live in the same conditions as they do in their community.
He shared his inspiring journey with the learners, recounting how his love for capturing everyday life in his rural village grew into a meaningful career. He proudly explained that every photograph displayed on the walls was taken by him, each image telling a story of the people, culture, and beauty of his community. Tshayile encouraged the learners never to underestimate the value of art, stressing that creativity is not just a hobby but a potential career path that can open many doors. “Creativity is not just something you do on the side it can be your livelihood. Whether it is photography, painting, music, or drama, you can build a future from it if you stay committed,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Education, Mr Taylor expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity the learners had been given. “The insight and exposure that came from today is something our learners will carry with them for years, you have turned possibilities into realities in their minds,” he said.
He noted that while educators do their best to prepare students, they are not always able to show them the full spectrum of career paths. “Today’s session filled that gap. It brought the real world into the classroom,” he said.
He shared the hope that this would not be the first and last engagement of its kind, but the start of a culture that could grow beyond to reach the entire Underberg circuit.
The school’s principal, SJ Shezi, also shared his heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity afforded to his learners. “We are truly humbled that our school was chosen for such an empowering programme, this has opened our learners’ eyes to possibilities they never imagined, and for that, we are deeply thankful.”
The event was further enriched by the presence of Michael Zulu from DUT’s Student Recruitment Unit, who delivered an inspiring motivation to learners, guiding them on building successful futures. He emphasised making informed academic and career choices, highlighting the importance of every career path, whether in science, engineering, arts or creative industries.
“If you have an artistic mind, embrace it. Our country needs a diverse range of skills to prosper,”said Zulu.
He encouraged Grade 9 students to carefully consider their strengths and passions before choosing their academic streams for Grade 10. Addressing the Grade 12 learners, Zulu highlighted the importance of dedication, achieving excellent results, and applying early through the Central Applications Office to avoid taking a gap year.
“Education is the key to success focus on your studies and do not rush for things that are not read for you,” he advised.
Zulu also distributed DUT prospectuses, outlining the various faculties, courses, and entry requirements at DUT. He took time to answer learners’ questions, ensuring they clearly understood what it takes to pursue their chosen career paths.
Grade 12 learner and school president Aphiwokwanda Nzimande also expressed his appreciation on behalf of the learners. “This has been one of the most eye-opening experiences for us, we have learned that our passions can become careers, our culture is something to be proud of, and that education is our ticket to a better life. Meeting people who have walked the path we want to take has inspired us to dream bigger and work harder,” said Nzimande.
Among the contributors were postgraduate Jewellery Design students and DUT alumni Justice Lubisi and Lungelo Myeza, who shared insights about how design can connect to cultural identity. Interior Designer and DUT alumnus Vuyo Mazibuko spoke about the importance of creative problem-solving in his field, while Lerato, a DUT Drama graduate and sound technician, reminded learners that behind every stage production is a team of skilled people making it happen.
Siyethemba from Iphupho Connect encouraged learners to see community upliftment as part of their future careers. Ntokozo Mtshali from the DUT Art Gallery shared his perspective on how art spaces create dialogue, Poet and programme director Xolile Zion Vilakazi kept the day flowing with energy, reminding learners that expression is power and they need to find their voice and use it.
The day was made possible through the support of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy unit.
Pictured: Khulasande Tshayile, Michael Zulu from DUT Student Recruitment, School Principal SJ Shezi, educators, speakers and the learners excited for the exhibition.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
