Background

Paballo Thekiso was born and raised in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. He is still based in Johannesburg and has been a freelance photographer since 2004, doing work for reputable companies and agencies such as the Independent Newspapers group in South Africa, International Agency the Agence France Press (AFP), Africa Interactive, UNAIDS and FAO.

Paballo worked as the Chief Photographer for the Saturday Star and later the deputy picture editor of the Independent newspapers in the Joburg hub where he specialised in multimedia. Paballo was mentored and influenced by many photographers, journalists, editors but his one mentored-turned-father was the late Alf Kumalo.

Awards

– North-West University National Press Club Photographer of the year, 2014
– Finalist in the CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the year, 2014
– Highly Commended by the Mondi Shanduka judges in the photo awards, 2011
– Silver certificate in the Pro Foto awards, 2010
– Six Bronze and Silver certificates in the Pro Foto awards, 2009

Paballo’s work has been exhibited in Italy (Italia Africa festival 2006), Mozambique (FotoFesta 2005) and South Africa (Centurion Art Gallery 2010).

Published Author

Paballo is a published author and in 2017, together with his colleagues, published a book titled ‘A Black Consciousness Reader‘ (published by Jacana media) which has sold over 3000 copies. His pictures have also been published in other books, such as the cover of Fees Must Fall book titled ‘We Are No Longer At Ease‘. 

Mentorship and empowerment

Paballo is a mentor to many young people and is involved with different communities using his photography and multimedia skills to expose talents and motivate upcoming artist/photographers. Paballo is one of the photography tutors at the Market Photo Workshop, an acclaimed photography school in the city of Johannesburg. 

Paballo works with the Tshepo Trust where he serves as one of the trustees and helps to identify young people from previously disadvantaged communities who deserve funding for their studies. He also sits on the board of YFC, an NGO focused on funding and empowering communities, mainly the youth, in areas of skills development, unemployment and disease reduction through community projects and awareness programmes. 

With his passion for youth development, his future goal is to establish a Paballo Thekiso Foundation, a foundation that will focus on skills development and mentorship, a passion deeply set in his heart.