02 June 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Peter Masela
3 minutes read time.
23 May 2025 marked a memorable and enriching experience for students and staff from the Photography section within the Department of Visual Arts and Design at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), who attended the Bridge the Gap lecture series hosted by the Commercial Photography section at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Accompanied by Professor Anneke de Klerk, Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Arts and Design at VUT, Mr Malcolm Phafane, Lecturer in Visual Arts and Design, and Ms Tseleng Mokhele, also a Lecturer in Visual Arts and Design at VUT, the Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts students joined their counterparts at TUT for a day filled with insight, inspiration, and interinstitutional exchange.
The lecture series was designed to foster academic and creative collaboration while exploring the evolving role of photography in both the South African and global contexts.
According to Professor de Klerk, the core discussions focused on the changing nature of the photography industry and the growing need for photography education to adapt to political, social, and technological developments. “A key theme that emerged was the importance of intermedial skills – the ability of photographers to transcend traditional boundaries and navigate across various visual media, as these boundaries continue to blur in contemporary practice,” she explained.
Professor de Klerk further remarked: “Beyond the insightful presentations and discussions, the event was a valuable networking platform, encouraging students to explore potential collaborative projects, form meaningful connections, and maintain professional contact beyond the academic environment. This emphasis on shared growth and collaboration reinforced the importance of building a creative community that can extend into professional life.”
Mr Peter Ngoatse, an Advanced Diploma Photography student from VUT, shared his thoughts on the experience: “The lecture series was a highly informative and engaging experience. It allowed us to network, interact, and build connections with peers from different institutions. One of the highlights was engaging with professionals from the industry, such as a printing company that emphasised the importance of printing and selling our artwork to elevate our practice.”
He added: “We also had the opportunity to learn from TUT lecturers and tour their facilities, which gave us insight into different teaching approaches and studio setups. It was a rewarding experience that broadened our perspective and sparked new ideas for our academic and professional paths.”
For many students, the event was both motivational and eye opening. It highlighted potential career paths in photography and visual arts, and demonstrated how creative passion can be transformed into impactful professional work.
“As the lines between disciplines continue to blur and the creative industry rapidly evolves, events like Bridge the Gap are crucial in shaping the next generation of visual storytellers. Through collaboration, dialogue, and shared experiences, the VUT and TUT communities continue to build bridges for a stronger, more connected future in the arts,” said Professor de Klerk.