SIBADALA SIBANCANE: A COMMEMORATION OF YOUTH MONTH IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Manor in partnership with Strauss & Co. proudly presents Sibadala Sibancane, an exhibition featuring photographic works by Lebogang Tlhako and Mikhailia Petersen, who were both featured in The Manor’s special edition photography journal, Reflecting B(l)ack. 

Lebogang Tlhako, popularly known as Sisterbozza, is a photographer and creative entrepreneur who’s not limited to one medium or style. Her roots in Katlehong inspire her creative works, ranging from collage artworks, beadwork, and fashion with the idea of ‘home’ as a central theme. The title of the exhibition, Sibadala Sibancane, comes from Tlhako’s collection of photographs, which speaks about her relationship with her mother and how it has influenced and shaped her growth as a young woman. Similarly, Cape Town-based Petersen also channels her upbringing and heritage to craft documentary-style narratives through her photography. Petersen is a storyteller, capturing individuals in a celebratory and theatrical manner, incorporating local crafts, fashion, and various other skills to create her photographic stories.

Curated by the founder of The Manor, Trevor Stuurman, the exhibition serves as a physical manifestation presented in Reflecting B(l)ack. Coinciding with South Africa’s Youth Month and the significance of June 16th, this exhibition explores the paradoxical nature of children in South Africa, often engaging in role-playing games and mimicking adulthood through activities like playing house and dress-up. However, this playful imitation reflects a deeper societal trend, where young individuals are compelled to adopt adult roles and responsibilities at an early age due to living circumstances. 

The exhibition offers a nuanced reflection on the societal pressures that prompt young individuals to assume adult roles prematurely but also showcases the resilience of navigating these complexities. Sibadala Sibancane is an invitation to contemplate the intersections between societal expectations and the ongoing journey towards self-actualisation, advocating for a holistic approach to the delicate balance between innocence and maturity by acknowledging and embracing the need for healing your inner child.