CORRIE TRAIN
Photography
Under The Wide Sun
Beneath the fierce African sun, Zulu, Xhosa and Pedi perform various tribal dances with extraordinary power and intensity. High-kicking, stamping and seemingly suspended between the physical and spiritual worlds, they honour their ancestors through movement, rhythm and ritual. I hope these images capture the fleeting moments of devotion, strength and cultural identity at the Lesedi Cultural Village and Vilakazi Street in South Africa, where tradition remains vividly alive.
A note about the photo being displayed in CCA Galleries this year...
Zulu Indlamu, Vilakazi Street
The Soweto Uprising was a pivotal student-led protest against the apartheid government's policy requiring Afrikaans to be used as a language of instruction in Black schools. On 16 June 1976, thousands of students in Soweto marched peacefully, but police responded with violence, killing and injuring many protesters. The uprising sparked nationwide resistance to apartheid, drew international attention to the regime's brutality, and became a defining moment in South Africa's struggle for freedom and equality.
When I visited Vilakazi Street in Soweto this year (Feb 2026), I was welcomed by the sight and sound of performers dressed in traditional attire dancing the Indlamu outside Nelson Mandela’s former home. The powerful stamping, high-kicking movements, and rhythmic singing created a vibrant atmosphere that brought South Africa’s cultural heritage to life. Watching the dancers perform in such a historic location was a memorable experience, connecting the country's rich traditions with the legacy of those who fought for freedom during the apartheid era.
As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising in 2026, commemorations across the country have focused not only on honouring the students who protested against apartheid education policies but also on reflecting on the challenges facing young people today. Many of the anniversary events have highlighted the enduring legacy of the 1976 protesters while drawing attention to ongoing issues such as youth unemployment, poverty, inequality, and access to quality education.