Basetsana Makhalemele

Basetsana Makhalemele is a twenty-eight year old creative. A self-taught documentary photographer based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Makhalemele discovered her passion for capturing genuine moments and compelling stories in 2016 after realising the emotional impact of her photographs.

As a graduate in journalism and media studies, Makhalemele uses documentary photography and storytelling to highlight social issues and represent the voices of those who are marginalised in her community.

Makhalemele hails from a township that appears to be isolated called Warden in the Free State. Her work focusses on documenting and sharing perspectives on social, physical, and emotional aspects of daily life, investigates authentic moments and conditions in South Africa with the goal of studying the African continent.

At the moment, she is gradually stepping outside of her comfort zone and beginning to investigate photography’s more artistic side.

Makhalemele has come to understand how photography changes the way she interacts with the outside world, her community, and herself by fostering a sense of proximity and connection.