Raw Documentation (Day3)

by Paulo Menezes

Diakonia Council of Churches

Context

The Diakonia Council of Churches is an ecumenical, inter-church agency, working with churches and church organisations in the pursuit of a more just society. By this they mean an improved quality of life for the poor, as well as changes in attitudes and structures which perpetuate injustice.

We are situated in the Denis Hurley Hall, named for the Catholic Archbishop who was a courageous opponent of South Africa's apartheid regime for 50 years. As well as being a significant figure in the Struggle in South Africa, he also had great international influence within the Catholic Church. He was an instigator and then a champion of the ecclesiastical and liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council which he attended in the 1960s and regarded as the highlight of his life.

Pre-session

The aim of today’s session is to weave together what was disrupted and taken apart on day 1, as well as re-imagined and re-assessed on day 2. Our venue complements this mission with its involvement in ecumenical affairs, which relate to unity and not disharmony among the world’s various Churches.
The setup on day 3 is as informal as it has ever been. Blankets, cushions, mats , incense, bottled water, and stools line the floor in anticipation of groups who will gather around 10 A0-sized photographs made by DUT students. The purpose will be to interpret them, or use them as departure points for conversation.
It appears Nocebo Bucibo intends to use photography as meditational/reflective aid.

In-session

Nocebo Bucibo begins the session with a homely rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Last night she decided against written prompts. The photos will do the prompting
“For whom are we making work?” – Bucibo. This question is meaningful given that the DUT students whose photographs are being used are not with us in this session.
Bucibo hasn’t had a chance “to sit in it.” Connotation of shit intended.
“Will I survive in the photography industry when everyone is taking cellphone images?” After asking this question Bucibo realised that photography is more than image-making practice. There is a responsibility attached to whom you point your camera at.
“Connect your subjectivity to the critical decisions the photographer has made.” – Bucibo
“Link your reflection to the photograph, and let it transport you further than your industry and experience.” – Bucibo
“A lot of us share experiences but don’t talk about them.” – Bucibo
The struggle to survive turned to a realisation that Bucibo had to survive.
The 1st image prompts Bucibo to recite her praise names.
“I stopped hanging out with artists.” – Bucibo gives one of the reasons why she has been labelled a sellout. Image 3 prompts this share.
Image 4 forces Bucibo to reflect on her son’s future. What’s there for her son? What opportunities will be there?
Lindokuhle Ndlovu’s image is her son’s favourite. This image leads her to reflect on her role as a single mother. “At almost 40, it is important for me to have security for my son. At 20 I was living my best life. I did not care about security.”
Bucibo breaks into tears when relating how her employers were not prepared to accommodate her son. This is prompted by Ndlovu’s image. She is showing the participants how it’s done: using herself, her narrative and vulnerability as template and permission.
Image 5 leads Bucibo to reflect on her limited dating options as a doctoral candidate who is not prepared to change her name.
Whose dreams and world are we teaching our students about? The image of the bathtub prompts these questions. Do we teach them of the street/promenade photographers who make a living from their craft, but don’t earn exorbitant salaries/fees?
“Who wasn’t invited to Power Talks?” – Bucibo. The second-last image prompts this question. “Am I a gatekeeper? A power-abuser?” – Bucibo
“I will always say I’m new to Durban.” – Bucibo
The last image leads Bucibo to wonder aloud, “Durban is fertile soil. What will grow here for me?”
“Be in conversation with the DUT students, and be in conversation with yourself.” – Bucibo
“Silence creates gems.” – Bucibo on the value of reflection.
Silent reflection first. Three rotations. Share afterwards. This is the plan after Bucibo’s tutorial.

We regather to Eency-Weency Spider.
“Let us not be filtered.” – Bucibo
“Why is DBN to be part of this 3 or 4 part series?” – Bucibo directs this 1 at the Goethe Institut.
It is perplexing that none of the Goethe representatives in the room answered this question.
The first share is a story of tragedy: a horrific pedestrian motor accident that leads me to ask, if participants are prepared to be this candid, how do we justify the reticence of the funders? Are we dancing monkeys? Are we here to perform for their edification? Where is their vulnerability and engagement?
People had to answer the question for Goethe Institut in order for us to get a response from a representative.
We discover that DBN has been chosen because the discussion Goethe Institut is trying to initiate is bigger than JHB. They are not here to input; they are here to listen to a conversation that they would like us to have among ourselves.
Bucibo does her best

Raw Documentation (Day3)

Diakonia Council of Churches

Context

Pre-session

In-session

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