PR GRADUATE EARNS SEASON-LONG PSL ACCREDITATION AFTER IMPRESSING WITH HER LOCAL SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Only six months after hoisting a camera with focused intent and purpose, one WSU Public Relations Management (PRM) graduate has earned herself media accreditation for the 2024/25 Betway Premier Soccer League season thanks to her burgeoning career in the photography industry. 

The love of sport and curiosity for the profession has seen Yanga Nothanga, who graduated from the Buffalo City Campus with a BTech degree in 2017, make astronomical strides in the photography industry and earn her spot in the PSL media establishment despite seriously taking it up only in April earlier this year.

“My passion for photography began to take shape this year, although my love for sport has been longstanding. My enthusiasm for sport extends beyond playing – I have always enjoyed attending various games, including netball, rugby, soccer, all at both professional and grassroots level,” said Nothanga.

It was at one of the aforementioned sports matches in April that her curiosity in photography would be ignited, after which, she’d channel all her energies into establishing Maya Images - “Maya” coined and derived from Mayangana, a nickname given to Nothanga by her late grandmother.

As a freelancer, her steps to gaining accreditation were a little more layered, as opposed to her counterparts who’re attached to a media house. Nothanga was eventually granted accreditation following an application process that saw her submit numerous samples of her work, whilst also being subjected to a background check that saw her social media platforms being scrutinized.

It hasn’t all been a bed of roses though for Nothanga as she’s experienced one significant challenge.

“The main challenge thus far has been securing financial support, specifically, getting the right equipment to capture high quality images. Most challenging is getting state funding, while on the other hand, private funders are difficult to find in South Africa. However, I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support from friends and people within the industry, some of whom have trusted me with their equipment,” she said.

Her choice of name for the project was deliberate and calculated owing to it being widely recognized by her social and professional network – her friends, former netball teammates and opponents, business acquaintances and

A product of the rural town of Ngqeleni outside Mthatha, Nothanga’s passion for sport at the grassroots level was organically cultivated owing to her own experience and appreciation of how difficult it is for communities on the periphery to gain media coverage and thus highlight the talent at those grassroots levels.

"I aim to capture and celebrate the energy and talent of both grassroots and professional players, bringing their stories to life through my lens and showcasing their skills in a way that highlights the vibrant spirit of the game. I take great pride in giving visibility to grassroots sports, which often receive limited media attention. By highlighting the enthusiasm, and dedication of grassroots athletes, I can bring attention to their talent and hard work, and thus making their achievements more visible,” she said. 

Lessons learned in the WSU lecture rooms have also helped shape and inform some technical aspects of Nothanga’s prowess, one of those lessons being Videology, which was taught at PRM during the second year. 

These skills have proven critical in her work as they came in handy, initially, in providing her with the basic and essential knowledge of operating a camera; understanding different types of shots; and being able to utilize basic editing skills.

Nothanga was quick to offer advice to other emerging photographers, imploring them to remain dedicated and passionate about their craft.

“Photography requires dedication, long hours, sometimes under tough conditions. Such conditions include having to accommodate and transports one’s self to the sports grounds, particularly to the grassroots competitions which can be found on the periphery of society,” she said.

By Thando Cezula