TEN Zimbabwe-based storytellers have challenged policymakers, the media, activists and civil society through a collaborative photography project that focuses on freedom of expression, exploring various themes, artistic creativity and the role of stories in shaping perspectives.
The collaborative project, titled Change That, to Some Extent, Slowly, held its first exhibition during the 15th anniversary of the Shoko Festival in 2025.
Festival goers were invited to pause, reflect and reconsider the pace and nature of transformation in Zimbabwe’s urban spaces.
The collection stood out not for its volume, but for its vulnerability — a series of images that whispered rather than shouted, capturing subtle shifts in identity, community and memory.
Thrive Afrika chief executive officer Willson Chivhanga said it was an opportunity for them to go beyond the headlines and sensationalism, to really dive deep into the everyday realities of the challenges people face in our communities
“Not only the challenges, but also the opportunities that exist,” he said.
Chivhanga added that the exhibition showcased an array of powerful works, spanning issues from climate justice to maternal health solutions being driven within communities.
This, he said, demonstrated the importance of involving communities in developing solutions to their challenges.
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“Such an exhibition is critical because it allows both the community and policymakers to experience and understand the lived realities of people.
“It takes them beyond surface-level narratives to the intricacies of the challenges people are facing.
“It gives policymakers an opportunity to reflect on existing policies, engage with communities, and recognise what communities are already doing — then find ways to support and amplify these local solutions.”
Among the stories featured were that of a Harare-based woman who has successfully provided maternal health services in her community for 20 years, as clinics fail to meet demand; and a pastor who has struggled to come out as LGBTQ due to fear of rejection.
Other stories addressed the mental health impact of body shaming; the resilience of people with disabilities amid Bulawayo’s severe water crisis; the thriving informal sector in Zimbabwe; and the continued existence of the marginalised Khoisan community.
Bekithemba Ntini, from Market Photo Workshop’s Training and Public Engagement programming, echoed similar sentiments, saying the stories are a call to action for policymakers and relevant authorities.
“It’s a bold call to tell these hidden stories and give voice to communities — their stories, hence their power,” he said.
“In a way, the exhibition seeks to change unjust practices, slowly but intentionally, with the goal of creating a society where communities can freely tell and express their stories.”
Ntini further described the project as an activist process aimed at amplifying community voices to inspire action towards a just society.
The exhibition’s storytellers included Blessing Kaphambe, Chido Nyaruwata, Emma Zihonye, Jane Nkiwane, Matipaishe Mavunga, Thamsanqa Sibanda, Tinashe Jakarasi, Rachel Ncube and Tevin Chimbwanda.
The exhibition was curated by Ntini, Loyiso Oldjohn and Thabisa Nxawe.
Shoko Festival media liaison Kudzayi Zvinavashe acknowledged the newly-introduced photography category in the Shoko Festival.
“This year’s Shoko Festival was nothing short of amazing,” he said.
“We were proud to present the third edition of our group photography exhibition, a powerful collaboration between Magamba Network, We Lead Trust and The Market Photo Workshop, with support from the Dutch embassy under the Free2Express project; a project which promotes freedom of expression and access to information.”
Continued Zvinavashe: “Born out of an intensive workshop process and meaningful community engagements, the showcase presented individual stories that shed light on important social issues and deeply personal experiences.”
Thrive Afrika is a pan-African collective of social impact strategists, storytellers, creatives and researchers reimagining possibilities for Africa’s future.
Magamba Network prides in being Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organisation using arts, digital media and civic tech, and activism to inspire young people to participate in building a more just and equitable continent.
