For Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Khulasande Tshayile, having the art of taking photos for the purpose of telling about people or a culture is what makes him tick.

The dynamic multimedia administrative assistant is a critically acclaimed visual artist whose work delves into the intricacy of everyday lives, personal experiences, and cultural transformations within his home community.

“As DUT staff, my role as a multimedia administrative assistant specialising in photography aligns perfectly with my passion. Through my teachings and skills, I aim to inspire and empower aspiring photographers to explore their own backgrounds and communities while nurturing their unique artistic voices,” he said.

Khulasande Tshayile.

Tshayile grew up in the Eastern Cape, in the community of Ntabankulu, Umnceba village.
“I am deeply connected to the indigenous South African cultures and I seek to capture this through my photographic practice. By documenting my community, I aim to preserve its essence and prevent it from being perceived as the other,” he said.

Having recently showcased his photography exhibition, Tshayile had a mix of excitement and gratitude. “It was a profound moment for me to share the stories and experiences of my community with a broader audience and offer an intimate insight into a world that is deeply meaningful to me,” he confessed.

The Theme of his exhibition was capturing cultural threads, namely Impilo yasemakhaya which represents his commitment to capturing the rich tapestry of his community’s cultural heritage.

The theme of his exhibition, “Capturing Cultural Threads, Impiloyasemakhaya” represents his commitment to capturing the rich tapestry of his community’s cultural heritage and traditions. “I chose this name to symbolise the interwoven narratives that bind my people and way of life, acknowledging that these cultural threads are vital to understanding their identity,” he stressed.
He quipped that this was not his first gallery exhibition, he had previously exhibited when he was doing his BTech year-end portfolio in Photography in 2019, however this was his first solo exhibition.

“Each exhibition has allowed me to connect with different audiences and expand the appreciation for indigenous South African cultures,” said Tshayile.

While Tshayile had always had a passion for art and photography, his desire to study photography was professionally sparked by his upbringing in Ntabankulu. Witnessing the transformations in his community and the impact of cultural changes, he felt compelled to document these experiences through photography. This led him to pursue a formal education in photography to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of the art form.

With DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, Tshayile’s role at DUT intertwines with the institution’s living values of inclusivity, diversity, and cultural appreciation.
“I actively encourage students who are doing photography to embrace their cultural identities and leverage their experiences to create meaningful visual narratives that resonate with audiences from various backgrounds,” he commented.

Pushing boundaries in his craft is of utmost importance to Tshayile. By constantly challenging himself, he can create innovative and thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of conventional photography and evoke deeper emotions and connections with his audience.

In terms of his future endeavours, Tshayile has several exhibitions in the pipeline.
“I intend to explore more collaborative projects that involve the community actively, allowing their voices to be central to the narratives I present,” he added.

For aspiring photographer students at DUT, Tshayile’s advice is to embrace their unique perspectives and personal experiences.
“I urge you to delve into your own communities and identities, as it is from this place that you will find the most authentic and meaningful stories to tell through your sterling photography,” he explained.

Tshayile emphasised that every photograph has a story to tell, and believes that photography can be a powerful tool for cultural preservation and celebration. “I hope to continue using my artistic talent to shine the light on the beauty and significance of my home community and its people,” he remarked.

He also indicated that he would also like to take the opportunity and express his gratitude to the sponsors such as the National Art Council and DUT Student Recruitment unit for his exhibition as without them the exhibition would not have been possible.

Pictured: Khulasande Tshayile addressing learners during his exhibition.

Waheeda Peters