Speakers
Meet our Speakers
Michael 'Mickey' Burnett
Michael ‘Mickey’ Burnett is a local Durban Photographer and educator with the IIE’s Vega School. With a tenure of 14 years at Vega, he has imparted his
expertise across various disciplines, including Graphic Design and Brand Strategy. Apart from his formal education at Allenby his early immersion into the
craft was preceded by a two-year stint in London, where he served as a photographic assistant to the esteemed Architectural photographer, Dennis Gilbert.
Mickey firmly believes that photography often beckons those who are still charting the course of their lives. He recognizes that those who master the art of
photography gain a unique freedom to communicate their beliefs and share the profound narratives of their personal life experiences. It is for this reason that
Mickey sees himself as more than an educator; he is a mentor and guide, shaping the visual storytellers of tomorrow.
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Topic: Becoming A Professional Photographer
27 th of October 2023
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Daniel Rankadi Mosako
Mosako is a renowned artist, archivist, and heritage practitioner who acquired the following degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts in Education, Bachelor of Arts with Honours with specialisation in Art
History, Bachelor of Information Science Honours, Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage and Museum
Studies, Master of Historical and Cultural Science in Heritage and Museum Studies, Master of Arts in
Fine Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy in Art.
He is a published interdisciplinary author and has showcased his artwork in scores of solo and group
exhibitions over a decades-long career. Among the trainings he attended were an article writing and
publishing mentorship programme under the direction of Professor Mpho Ngoepe; art education
studies under the supervision of Professor Nombeko Mpako; exhibition curatorship under the
guidance of Professor Alexander Edward Duffey; art mensuration under the management of
Professor Estelle Marais; and art critic practices under the leadership of Professor Allen Crump.
Topic: The Road to A Photographer’s First Exhibition
Date: 27 th of October 2023
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Alistair Arromugam
Born and raised in Chatsworth, Durban for the past 31 years with a loving family of 4.
Alistair Aroomugam, attended Greenvale Primary School, Westcliff Secondary School and
Meadowlands Secondary School, his tertiary education was done at eThekweni FET College, where
he completed his studies in Engineer and related designs.
Growing up he always took an interest in Cars, speed and looks, this being influenced by hot wheels,
need for speed games, fast and furious and our very own speed and sound magazine.
Fast forward a little further, his brother had purchased a camera which got him curious and he took it
to a car show, not knowing anything except to point and shoot ON AUTO, this is were Raw Emotion
Photography was birthed.
From what started of has just snapping cars has a hobby and passion, slowly ventured into doing
weddings, portraits, event coverages for some of Durban’s largest automotive events and a few
magazine features including being now featured on a regular basis in Speed and Sound Magazine of
late.
This made possible through the guidance of the local greats and as well as being influenced through
international photographers too.
Topic: In Photography – Technology Matters
Date: 27 th of October 2023
Time: 13:00 – 1400
Nkanyiso Nqhome
Meet Nkanyiso Nqhome, a prominent photographer based in Durban, with an impressive career spanning over seven years. His journey in photography has
been marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, and he has garnered recognition for his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects and
tell compelling visual stories.
Nkanyiso’s work is a masterful blend of artistic flair and a deep appreciation for the diverse and vibrant cultures that make up the rich tapestry of Durban. His
unique insights promise to inspire and educate, offering a unique perspective on the art of photography.
Topic: Pictures Talk – My Journey – I Am Nkanyiso Nqhome
27 th of October 2023
Time: 16:00 – 17:00
Gift Banda
Gift Dick Banda is a self-taught South African Photographer, Film Director & Art Director. He is of Malawian decent and currently
resides in Durban, South Africa. His work is visually striking, layered with texture, detail and seamlessly stitched together with a
rich colour palette. Gift enjoys the idea of telling a visual narrative, by merging different visual elements to create an impactful
emotive piece.
His work reflects on his journey of self-discovery as an artist, he uses his work to narrate his artistic journey which serves as a catalyst
to un[orthodox thinking. As a photographer, he believes that the vibrations which lay within images silently speak words which
have deep and significant meaning. They relay emotions that break the confines of time and allow us to empathise to contrasting
experiences, whilst enabling us to find profound understanding of other people’s experiences as well as our own. Every photo he
captures is a journey of losing himself within an image and yet again finding himself on the other side of that as a different person,
through the connection he ends up making from the stillness that is captured in that moment in time.
Gift began his creative journey in 2010 as a self-taught Graphic Designer utilising digital art as a form of self-expression. As a
graphic designer he still felt like something was missing, with this artform failing to provide him with the realism of interreacting
with people. Gift’s work has expanded into being a creative director and film director. He has also diversified his photographic
portfolio to include wedding photography, editorial photography, architectural/interior design photography, boudoir & fine art
photography. His curiosity stems from his intrigue of African culture, people, and nature. He tries to deliver visual think pieces that
encapsulate all these facets and how they interact with each other.
Topic: Timing and Technique – The Makings of A Great Photographer
Date: 28 th of October 2023
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Lungisani Mjaji
Lungisani Mjaji is from the peaceful KwaNongidi village in Kwazulu Natal. Currently, enrolled for Photography studies at the Tshwane University of
Technology. As a committed and practical photographer, Lungisani aims to prove that photography can be a lasting career. With a strong belief that every
day brings creative possibilities, Lungisani captures moments with a heart full of passion and dedication.