Over 90 photographic entries were received. Images were judged based on composition, focus, exposure, depth of field, colour, contrast and originality. Image: Supplied

The University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Cape Flats Nature Reserve is one of the last few places where the highly threatened Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation types and wetland ecosystems are protected. 

To raise awareness about the biodiversity found within the 34-hectare reserve and the significance of this Provincial Heritage site, the UWC Nature Reserve Unit launched its first Nature photography competition in 2024, teaming up with the Zeitz MOCAA BMW Centre for Art Education. 

The competition ran for several months before the top 24 photographs were selected and revealed at the prestigious inaugural exhibition, which was held at Zeitz MOCAA on Saturday, 10 May 2025. This collaboration highlighted the crucial link between conservation, art and education in a thought-provoking and creative manner. 

The excitement was clear as proud UWC students brought their friends and family to the exhibition. Students who had never visited Zeitz MOCAA before also got the opportunity to explore the entire museum and grasp the reality of where their photographs are exhibited.

Displayed alongside the UWC students' photographs are the 2024 MOCAA Art Club learners, who visited the Cape Flats Nature Reserve late last year as part of the collaboration. Using only disposable cameras, their images captured their experience within the reserve; many of whom had never been to a nature reserve before, highlighting the importance of accessibility in the fight to preserve biodiversity. 

Staff, students and judges at the launch of the UWC Nature Reserve Unit’s first nature photography competition in 2025, teaming up with the Zeitz MOCAA BMW Centre for Art Education. Image: Supplied

Laurenda van Breda, Environmental Education Officer at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, mentioned how proud the students felt to have their photographs displayed at Zeitz MOCAA and that they were already inquiring about the next competition to enter. 

“We plan on having regular photo walks in the reserve to guide the students in photography and learning more about the biodiversity within the reserve,” said Van Breda.

The UWC Nature Reserve Unit manager, Minnelise Levendal, said the top 24 photographs invite us to explore the breathtaking biodiversity of the Cape Flats Nature Reserve - an ecological treasure nestled in the heart of UWC. The event allowed for an interactive ‘Crowd Favourite’ activity where visitors selected their favourite photograph. 

The winner and crowd favourite was Nurah Samsodien’s entry, which depicts a face-to-face encounter with a carpenter bee in flight - an amazing fleeting moment captured. She said, “I’ve always loved art and the outdoors, but walking through the Cape Flats Nature Reserve with my camera opened my eyes to just how alive the place is. There’s so much biodiversity that we often miss, but when you stop and really look, you start to see the beauty. It reminded me of how important it is to slow down, appreciate the world around us, and protect it.”

In second place was Nakita Clarke, whose entry featured the fibonacci spirals found in nature in the form of a snail shell, and in third place, Meickhe Fortuin, who patiently stalked a dragonfly for her winning entry.

From left is Talia Naicker, judge from Zeitz MOCAA, the  Reserve's Laurenda van Breda, winners  Nurah Samsodien and Nakita Clarke Reserve head, Minnelise Levendal, and photo competition judge from the Agriculture Research Council, Clement Cupido. Image: Supplied

The photographs were judged by an esteemed panel of judges comprised of members from Zeitz MOCAA, in particular Talia Naicker, Education Manager, and Mr Clement Cupido, a photographer and researcher from the Agricultural Research Council. Cupido commented: “Judging was inspiring, yet challenging with over 90 photographic entries. Images were evaluated based on composition, focus, exposure, depth of field, colour, contrast and originality. The title, rationale, and how well they captured the theme were other important criteria for judging. Photos that stood out often had striking composition, strong colour, and sharp focus. These technical elements, when combined with originality and a compelling rationale, made for captivating images”.

He said the students demonstrated raw creativity and visual storytelling, which was encouraging since many are still new to photography, and entries were mostly taken with smartphones. “I was impressed to see just how far mobile camera technology has come with quality comparable to what one would expect from professional cameras”.

After meeting the winners for the first time at the prize-giving, Cupido said: “It was clear from our conversations that many have truly caught the photography bug - some even mentioned plans to invest in mirrorless cameras. It’s heartening to see this kind of passion sparked by a project that not only encourages artistic expression but also deepens appreciation for our nature reserve.” 

Esteemed guests from UWC: Prof. Matete Madiba (Deputy Vice Chancellor: Student Development) and Prof. Anusha Rajkaran (HoD: Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology). Image: Supplied

Levendal explained: “In a city that's rapidly growing and changing, UWC's private Cape Flats Nature Reserve reflects how we can bridge the divide between urbanisation and conservation, by fostering a deeper connection with the natural world through collaborations with nature reserves and the art industry.” 

The top 24 photographs will be displayed at Zeitz MOCAA until 8 June. They will then be exhibited at the UWC Library from 19 June until 23 August.

“We encourage you to visit the exhibitions to reflect on the powerful messages these images portray through the lenses of our talented students. It reminds us that through the concerted effort of environmental and art education, we are able to actively protect and preserve our natural heritage through exposure to and awareness of our unique biodiversity”, said Levendal.