College of Human Sciences

Unisa launches exciting photography competition

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A participant taking photos at Kelly's Beach

Unisa’s College of Human Sciences (CHS) hosted the inaugural Marine and Ocean Photography Competition at Port Alfred High School in the Eastern Cape from 16 to 18 October 2025. The three-day event included a workshop, photography session and adjudication, followed by a prize-giving ceremony. CHS is widely known for its commitment to bridging the gap between the university and the community through innovative projects that drive positive change in communities.

Each learner was required to submit five photos, which were carefully evaluated over two days by four adjudicators. All photo entries were judged according to the following five weighted categories: Life Beneath the Waves, Coastal Connection, Ocean in Motion, Marine Conservation in Action, and Hidden Treasures of the Shoreline.

The adjudicators were Mduduzi Khathamzi (Unisa Multimedia Centre Photographer), Mark Carrels (Talk of the Town newspaper), Siyasanga Mbele (DFFE Ndlambe Local Municipality) and Zandile Ngwokoqwane (Ndlambe Municipality).

The Director of the School of Arts, Prof Siyasanga Tyali, officially opened the competition, stating that CHS recognised the need for this project as part of its commitment to positively contributing to humanity through teaching, research and community engagement. Tyali further explained that this initiative aligns with Unisa's ten catalytic niche areas, one of which is Marine Studies: "The Marine Research Plan of the Department of Science and Technology highlights that coastal oceanography in South Africa is still in its infancy. With South Africa boasting a 2 800 km coastline and significant commercial activity, such as the Port of Durban, the country’s largest and busiest port, it has enormous potential for economic growth."

Tyali also mentioned that participants should be grateful for this opportunity granted to them by Unisa. "When I was growing up in the Eastern Cape," he said, "I was only exposed to limited career paths, hence we started this project to allow you to dream beyond your surroundings, to enrich your minds and change your future."

On day three of the event, participants had the honour of being addressed by Luvuyo Nkani, Eastern Cape planner of Maritime Studies, and Ntomboxolo Ntanga, Circuit Manager. Nkani expressed his gratitude to the principals of Port Alfred High School, Nigel Adams, Nomzamo Secondary School, Andile Mdana, and Kuyasa Combined School, Lulamile Mxube, for allowing their learners to take part in the competition. He also thanked Unisa for piloting the project in the Eastern Cape, saying: "This project not only grants our learners the opportunity to explore and discover their talent. It has given the Eastern Cape Department of Education a chance to showcase the progress it has made in Maritime Studies."

The following learners, all from Port Alfred High School, were crowned winners of the 2025 Unisa Marine and Ocean Photography Competition:

  • First place: Imange Mbande, won a tablet and R3000
  • Second place: Lelethu Masintile won a tablet and R2000
  • Third place: Khazimla Nkalitshana won a tablet and R1000

The competition will be hosted again in 2026 in one of the country’s other coastal provinces. 

* By Nnana Martina Jege, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences

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Publish date: 2025-10-29 00:00:00.0

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