Edward Tsumele
Edward Tsumele
Things nearly fell apart at a literary discussion about African pioneering novelist Chinua Achebe's famous novel, Things Fall Apart, at MuseumAfrika, Newtown, on Saturday, when freelance photographer Kgaugelo Namane broke down and cried.
The veteran, who has been taking pictures for 34 years, accused the industry of forgetting people like him.
More than a year ago Namane captured the stunning picture of a baby thrown out of a burning building in inner city Johannesburg by its parents desperate to save him from the inferno. The baby landed safely in a rescuer's hands.
"What do I do with photographs I have taken over 34 years? Can society help photographers to make a living by organising an exhibition?
"I was particularly hurt when a friend told me that he saw a picture of the baby on a big poster in New York. I don't know how it got there and who benefited from that picture," he said.
The discussion formed part of Joburg's Literary Festival launched in Johannesburg on Friday. It was moderated by academic and political commentator Nhlanhla Maake, author Lisa Combrinck and playwright Walter Chakela.
'Forgotten' photographer breaks down
Edward Tsumele
Edward Tsumele
Things nearly fell apart at a literary discussion about African pioneering novelist Chinua Achebe's famous novel, Things Fall Apart, at MuseumAfrika, Newtown, on Saturday, when freelance photographer Kgaugelo Namane broke down and cried.
The veteran, who has been taking pictures for 34 years, accused the industry of forgetting people like him.
More than a year ago Namane captured the stunning picture of a baby thrown out of a burning building in inner city Johannesburg by its parents desperate to save him from the inferno. The baby landed safely in a rescuer's hands.
"What do I do with photographs I have taken over 34 years? Can society help photographers to make a living by organising an exhibition?
"I was particularly hurt when a friend told me that he saw a picture of the baby on a big poster in New York. I don't know how it got there and who benefited from that picture," he said.
The discussion formed part of Joburg's Literary Festival launched in Johannesburg on Friday. It was moderated by academic and political commentator Nhlanhla Maake, author Lisa Combrinck and playwright Walter Chakela.
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