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In this week’s photo essay on Humans of Mzansi, photojournalist Zahra Haider explores black hair and woman power at the launch of a social enterprise network called Sibahle on a rooftop in downtown Joburg
RETHABILE SKOSANA
MORTGAGE CONSULTANT, PROPERTUITY
At first, I spent most of my life bald. I never liked my hair; it was never pretty enough, straight enough or dark enough. I always shaved it off, but after a while I grew out my dreadlocks and now they are an extension of who I am.
Black women are in an interesting era right now. We are going through a liberation and have a spirit of adventure. We are not scared to be who we are or of how people will perceive us. You’re allowed to be whoever you want to be.
It is other women who aren’t in the same mind-set who may be judgemental of those of us who express ourselves through fashion. But at the end of the day, it is just hair; it will grow back. It does not define me.
NIKIWE DLOVA
ASSISTANT BUYER, EDCON, AND BLOGGER
Black hair means authenticity; it is about being real. I know some people don’t want to own their black hair – that is why they put extensions in.
You have to be true to who you are and accept yourself. Find a way to take care of it and stop making excuses that it is too much work and all that.
I think it relates to feminism, because you cannot speak about feminism and equal rights if you are not going to be fair and real with yourself. Feminism and black hair go hand in hand.
KHUMO MOSHIMANE
TRENDS CONSULTANT, MR PRICE GROUP
Black women are not embraced in society in the way they should be. Everything with black women is watered down and we are always put in the background. We need to embrace ourselves as women and push ourselves to thrive. When I meet successful black women, they inspire me to persevere.
One of the first things a person notices when they see you is how you present yourself. That’s why I love the whole natural look for hair.
For me, hair is your crown. You must own your crown as a person.
KOPANO MATLWA MABASO
AUTHOR AND MEDICAL DOCTOR
It is a great time to be a young black woman in this country. Black women are expressing themselves in all sorts of ways and it is very exciting.
I keep my hair natural because it makes me feel closer to my authentic self when I do. But to each her own; everyone should be true to who they are.
Black women’s hair has been picked apart a little too much and I think people should just do what makes them happy.
SIMAMKELE DLAKAVU
PRODUCER, THE BIG DEBATE
Conversations about black hair do not take place in isolation. South Africa is going through a kind of cultural revolution. Hair is a central part of that because for a long time black women were told to look a certain way to be deemed beautiful or professional or tidy.
Dreadlocks were seen as dirty or disgusting, but now young and old black women are starting to come to grips with the beauty of their hair.
I started going natural six years ago because I was introduced to black consciousness politics. I questioned the things I did with my body and how that might further white supremacy in a subconscious way. My hair is a political statement of self-love and pride.
Photojournalist Zahra Haider's first instalment of the series, Humans of Mzansi, took her to university campuses at the height of graduation season
ANELISIWE MRAMBA
(Nursing First Year, Wits University)
“I’m from the Eastern Cape and I moved to Johannesburg in January. Back home, we aren’t exposed to a lot of things the way I am here. I went to a township high school, so that’s why I struggle a lot here. Where we come from, Wits is the dream school. I never thought I would get accepted. I’m paying for my own tuition through working with the Gauteng department of health. When I’m not in class or studying, I’m at the hospital. I’m studying nursing now, but I hope I can be a doctor one day. It’s a very intensive course, but I like to help people and encourage them to stay healthy.”
LERATO TLALI
(Marketing Management Honours, University of Johannesburg)
“It feels a bit surreal, but I’m very happy and very proud of myself. I’m excited to
work in my
field of digital marketing, and maybe one day I will pursue a law degree. But not now. The past year was mentally, emotionally and physically draining. The experience was amazing though. I learnt so much in such a short time. I’m excited to learn and grow, and explore different fields.”
ALESSANDRO VISINI
(English Literature Honours, Wits University)
“I’d love to write a book one day. It’s quite hard though. My dad got sick with Alzheimer’s when I was 16. Our entire family structure fell apart. It’s different to grow up without your father. He can see my face, but he doesn’t remember me, know my name, anything. It’s sh*t. But you get used to it. It’s quite tough on my mum, who is alone now. My brother moved out and my dad is in a facility, so it’s just me and her. I don’t want to leave. She’s supported me throughout my life and I want to stay with her through this. It’s taken some time to accept, and I think I’m getting there.”
LOBOJO LOKOSANG
(Marketing Management Honours, University of Johannesburg)
“My dad is a diplomat for the African Union, so we moved around a lot. I was born in South Sudan and I grew up in Malawi, but my family lives in Ethiopia now. I came to South Africa in 2011 for my education, but the job market is very difficult as a foreigner. The job you get won’t really benefit you. I’m here until the political situation in South Sudan dies down, then I want to go back and start my own business. There are more opportunities for me there.”
CHRISTIAAN VREY
“South Africa is an awesome place to experience the world changing. A lot of places are the same for hundreds of years, people live and die there without seeing any difference. In my short time of being on this Earth, I’ve seen so many changes. It’s a really great place to learn how to adapt to any situation. My immediate goal for graduation was to make my loved ones happy. Now I will be able to travel, learn from people I want to be like and start searching for things on my bucket list. When I hopefully go overseas to America, I’ll be able to adapt to that situation as well. I always say, if you feel uncomfortable, stay in that situation. You’re going to learn more in that place than somewhere you actually like.”
ANDREA VAN DER COLFF
“I’m originally from Cape Town and moved to Johannesburg a year ago. At first, the thought of leaving everything I know was scary. Coming to a brand new place, having to learn everything all over again. People always ask why I would want to leave Cape Town, but I really love Johannesburg. The vibe suits me much better, its faster paced and everything. After school, I want to travel and go overseas. I’ve been to America, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, and I’ve noticed that South Africans are generally quite friendly people. When you go to other places you see how they compare to South Africa. That’s why I always want to come back, it’s a great place to grow up and raise your kids.”
