Being a people’s person, Edinah, who captured this month’s cover image, has always fought discrimination with all her might. However, it was after meeting fellow Drama student, Tebatso Mashishi (24), who lives with albinism, on the University’s Arts Campus a couple of years ago that the drive translated into a passion: To give her photography projects a purpose, and instead of taking only pretty pictures, rather document the plight of people living with albinism for acceptance.

“After meeting Tebatso, I was curious and scared at the same time,” recalls the humanitarian who hails from Tsakane, Brakpan on the Gauteng East Rand. “We chatted about the idea and Tebatso agreed in an instant,” she adds. Her first photo was of one of his eyes – the unique colours fascinated her.

Albinism in humans is a congenital disorder characterised by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. It is associated with a number of vision defects, among others.

“I explored and researched albinism, although everyone discouraged me,” Edinah says. Since people with albinism are used to being side-lined, it took a lot of effort to convince them to become part of my project. Lots of trust had to be established.”

In her B Tech degree mini-dissertation, titled Creating Awareness of People Suffering from Melanin Deficiency Through Documentary Photography, which she completed at the end of 2017, she photographed at least 30 people living with albinism. “Initially, I wanted to capture them in their respective environments, but later decided that a softly lit studio set-up will make them more comfortable, especially since they are light sensitive,” she says.

The end result is a set of simplistic, yet most sensitive images that made some of the participants cry. “After seeing her photo for the first time, one of the participants said that she has never thought of herself as being beautiful. Many had a low self-esteem, suffering years of ridicule and bullying. I wanted people to see the person, the beauty,” adds Edinah.

Edinah says there is still a long road ahead to adequately address the multiple forms of untruths and subsequent discrimination that persist about albinism worldwide. “One of these include that it is a source of misfortune that, in some instances, have led to infanticide,” she adds. It is for this reason that she has decided to enrol for her Master’s degree this year and devote her research to education in the rural areas of South Africa, where superstition about albinism is still rife.

WAS IT THE FIRST TIME THAT YOU’VE TRAVELLED ABROAD? No. In July 2017 I got the opportunity to go to Germany for a Management course at the Hochschule Osnabruck University of Applied Sciences.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TRIP? The tour was extraordinary. We visited the most interesting places. Addis Ababa was one of the highlights. I thought our country was the worst when it comes to poverty, only to realise that there are also other very poor countries out there. It made me appreciate what we have. Visiting the Mayor of Camden, Cllr Richard Cotton, in London was another highlight. He was open and shared his plans. A great country needs great leaders with vision, who are also willing to listen to the people they lead. I wish we could have such leaders in South Africa.

WILL YOU RECOMMEND FELLOW STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP? I will strongly encourage students to apply for this life-changing, one-in-a-million opportunity. I came back a different person. Representing this mighty University of over 60 000 students will definitely change your life and self-worth.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE INTERESTING PEOPLE THAT YOU’VE MET. I met many leaders from all over the country and other South African students representing their universities. The interesting part is that we had very different perspectives on issues. We debated a lot and proposed some solutions. We cried, we laughed and did everything together. It was an amazing group of young leaders.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? To reduce the number of illiterate people in this country. For our country to move forward, we need more educated people, especially the youth. In a small way I try to help. Therefore, I’ve started an organisation called NextStep.org which assists rural learners with applying for higher education. It’s in the youth’s hands to move this country forward.

The Jewellery Design programme at TUT’s Department of Fine and Applied Arts has once again confirmed its standing as one of the best training venues in this sector. Its students are winning top-notch competitions left, right and centre.

Andile Mbeje (25), Omphile Sibanda (26) and Gabrielle Lourens (21) scooped the first three positions in the De Beers 2016/’17 Shining Light Awards, in the order given. The theme was Protecting Nature’s Beauty.

Andile has won a 12-month apprenticeship at the Forevermark Design and Innovation Centre in Milan, Italy. He will work alongside jewellery designers at one of the world’s fastest growing diamond brands.
“I dream of working as a jewellery designer for an international company and am keen to hone my skills in commercial jewellery design,” he says.

Fraser Schenck (25), a B Tech student, was named runner-up in the student category of the prestigious PlatAfrica competition held annually to unearth the country’s top jewellery design talent.

He wowed the judges with his entry, titled Forgotten Triumphs. The theme of this year’s competition was Bold Minimalism. Fraser based his design on the work of Indian architect, Raj Rewal, called the Hall of Nations at the Pragati Maiden in India. Asked about his future plans, Fraser says he has always liked the idea of running his own business. “I have started building an online store and aim to create affordable jewellery ranges for men and women,” he indicates.

Fraser’s awe-inspiring neckpiece.

Andile’s  collection, Crowning Glory, is inspired by a South African Kudu, with its curled horns, a highlight of its natural beauty.

Thousands of first years joined the University in January. Heita! went on a quick walkabout to find out the who, what, when, where, why and how.