Extraordinary Women: Cindy Waxa
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Alumnus Cindy Waxa is making a name for herself in the media industry.
In 2005 she graduated with a National Diploma in Photography and a decade later she is now the senior photographer at Independent Newspapers (Cape Argus, Cape Times, Weekend Argus) covering everything from news to sport and features.
From photographing the luminaries like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan and the late Nelson Mandela, Waxa has no regrets about following her passion.
“Photography has taken me out of my comfort zone and into places that I would never have access to if I was not behind the lens. I have definitely experienced fear and danger, but excitement and joy too,” she says.
Waxa is renowned for documenting the Cape Town International Jazz festival for the past 10 years and has also held several successful photographic exhibitions of her work.
“Ritual Entry to Womanhood is one of the projects I am most proud of. This came about when I was in Qunu covering Madiba’s funeral,” she says.
“This is a ritual that prepares young women to learn about the social responsibilities that comes with womanhood. It's one of the important rituals for all Xhosa girls.”
In 2014 she was also part of the 20 Years of Democracy exhibition at the Artscape, a showcase of images of South Africa after 20 years of democracy.
Waxa encourages future photographers to equip themselves with the correct skills.
“Equip yourself not only with photography but skills like multimedia and videography. The world is moving to a digital era so it’s wise to combine photography with emerging technologies,” she says.
Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: weintrobj@cput.ac.za
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