FACE 2 / Kamvalethu AKA France Waka

Photographer

What made you become a photographer?

Growing up I loved taking pictures using a cellphone, especially during home events. My family who saw my potential motivated me to pursue photography, and my mother bought me my first camera in 2020. That motivation has kept me going.

What defines a great picture for you?

What defines a great picture for me, is effort, knowing that effort was put in to give great results. That’s art, it’s about effort and ideas.

How has the photography industry evolved over time?

The photography industry is growing and it’s becoming more advanced. It needs someone who can adapt and learn new skills. Creativity in photography has reached new heights, with endless possibilities for selfexpression.

What makes you proudly South African?

SA is a beautiful place to live in.

It’s a land of opportunities but you’ve got to work for those opportunities, as they won’t come to you.

What societal matter do you feel is not getting enough attention?

Human trafficking, because there have been a lot of cases of people getting lost and never being found. No-one is talking or taking any action about it.

Who would you like to invite to your dinner table and why?

Ofentse Mnwase because he has always been my favourite videographer one of the best in SA. I would like to have a conversation with him about his career journey and I would like to learn from him and get to know him more.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to enjoy watching movies and shooting content.

What has been this year’s highlight for you so far?

Getting the opportunity to shoot The Queenstown Kings (Netflix soccer movie) for Yellowbone Productions.

What did you want to be when you were young and how did that go?

I wanted to be an IT specialist and a graphic designer, but it didn’t go according to plan. On the graphic designing side, I’m still working on it and I am happy with the progress.

What is an ideal holiday for you?

The ideal holiday for me is Christmas, because that’s the one holiday I feel like it’ sa family day and it should be spent with family.