South African photographer Lindokuhle Sobekwa has garnered accolades for his innovative approach, combining “power and simplicity,” and was honored with the German Börse Photography Foundation Award in 2025. His work dives into themes of family connections, mythology, and life after apartheid.
On Thursday, he received the esteemed £30,000 award at the London Photographers Gallery.
Anne-Marie Beckmann, director of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, stated, “We’ve been striving to connect better with our audience. This project is about personal and family experiences, sibling bonds, and family complexities. Yet, these stories reflect larger narratives about post-apartheid South Africa.”
Sobekwa’s moving experiences are evident in his work as he carries photos of his half-sister, Ziyanda, who vanished from his life for 11 years after a childhood incident where he was struck by a vehicle while she pursued him. His award-winning creations serve as a scrapbook, piecing together their sporadic relationship during that period.
After Ziyanda reappeared in 2013, she resided in a hostel close to their family home, bearing scars and suffering from severe illness. Tragically, she passed away at just 22, shortly after the brothers reunited, leaving Sobekwa with many unanswered questions. Notably, she had declined to let him photograph her before her death.
Reflecting on his sister’s situation, Sobekwa shared with an observer last year, “It’s not just her story; it’s a recurring theme in South Africa. You’ll find every taxi driver has a tale of a lost family member. It’s an unresolved dialogue.”
The photos interweave handwritten notes and intimate familial moments, such as their mother reading from her Bible.
Shore Mabrian, director of the photographer’s gallery and chairman of the jury in Bels, Germany, remarked on the impact of Sobekwa’s work.
The jury also acknowledged the “incredibly strong resonance” of other finalists, including Christina de Midel, Rahim Fortune, and Tara Kraginak, who each received £5,000.
Photography journalist Charlotte Jansen described this year’s awards as “a quiet yet impactful exhibition,” highlighting works that ranged from a lyrically charming portrait of a black cowboy in Versace to a woman embracing a boulder.
Speaking about Sobekwa’s winning images, Jansen noted, “The depth of his sadness is palpable. In one picture, he casts a shadow over her grave, and many of his photographs have a blurred quality.”
All four artists’ works will be showcased at the photographer’s gallery until June 15th.
