Tshabalala’s piece, Great Joy, was selected among 415 000 image submissions from over 200 counties and territories.

“I feel very, very great. It’s been an amazing journey. I would like to thank Sony for acknowledging my work and accepting my work. It shows that my work is being accepted on a global scale and I should just keep on going and shooting more, telling more stories. ” Tshabalala said.

The story behind his piece is a memory from when his friend’s father passed away. He said the photo reminds him of the conversations they shared and the turn of events on that day.

Tshabalala’s photography journey began while he was studying mechanical engineering at the Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein. He said, at first, he wanted to be a fashion designer. However, seeing that he could not draw, he had to abandon his desire to pursue his fashion career. He then soon fell in love with photography while taking pictures with his phone.

This is the second time Bongani has won this competition. The World Photography Organisation and Sony Middle East and Africa selected another piece of his, titled Montso. The image was part of an exhibit at the Somerset House in London in April 2022.

Tshabalala said he is still learning and hopes to further improve his skills.

“I still want to learn more about photography, and probably collaborate with other photographers and other artists. So, It’s just learning from now on. It’s learning and improving myself as a photographer and human being and being open to more opportunities.”

The Sony World Photography Awards is a free-to-enter event created by the world photography organisation and it serves as an authoritative voice in the industry.

Overall winners in the different categories – Student, Youth, Open, and Professional competitions – are expected to be announced on 13 April 2023. This year’s winning images will be displayed at the Somerset House in London.

OFM News/Bambatha Giko