Ms Lerato (Roro) Sibanyoni has an amazing talent that is not recognised enough in Wesselton.
The self-taught photographer is creating amazing artworks with just her camera.
She produces works that make the audience think and question the ways of the world.
Her self-portraits speak clearly about social ills that have, in her opinion, corrupted society as a whole.
Roro’s love for the camera began at a young age after she realised she can do more than take just selfies with her camera phone.
“I began dabbling and took photographs of anything and everything, but I gravitated more towards nature and took the occasional lone tree or a river bed to see what I can do to enhance an average-looking picture,” Roro said. What began as a hobby, blossomed into a love affair that is still existing even today.
Born and bred in Thembisa, Wesselton, it was hard for the young artist to get people on board with the vision of her art.
“All people wanted me to do was take photographs at their events, not that I am saying it is bad because it puts money on the table, however, it did not tap into my creative juices.”
Roro has had only one camera in her life, which was bought by her friend, who could see the great potential in her.
According to her, the internet was her friend in those days, as she spent hours and hours learning how to use the camera and how to conceptualise great photos.
After teaching and familiarising herself with various photograph editing programes, she ventured in self-portraits.
“Honestly, I like to take photos of myself because I know where I want to go with my idea of a photo and if you use other people as subjects, they do not totally get your vision.”
Her favourite photo is that of herself and her five-year-old son, which was taken when he was a baby, as he is the most important person in her life.
“I took that photo using my phone and to this day, I believe it is one of the best because it is raw, authentic and encapsulates my love for my little boy.”
A marketing student at Gert Sibande TVET College, Roro is determined to make her photography her career, however, she does believe her course is perfect for her goal because it interlinks with art and visuals.
Roro is slowly but surely coming into her own because she has just completed a women abuse campaign and is now preparing for her next project.
Her subject is people living with disability in Wesselton.
All the projects she takes on, aligns with Roro’s vision of using her art to highlight social ills in her community.
Ideally, Roro would love to formally study her craft and better it and is open to the idea in the future.
She would also love to have the proper equipment, that will be added to her camera, to produce more riveting artworks, however, with limited funds, that only remains a dream.
“My ultimate goal in the next two years is to set up an exhibition right here in Ermelo, introduce the locals to art and photography and showcase my work.”
For now though, Roro continues to push the envelope, taking photographs that will challenge one’s thought process and highlight the plight of the disadvantaged in her township.
