Visual artist: Independent artist

Lebohang Kganye is a visual artist and photographer who uses her family archive to explore and re-enact notions of home and belonging. “My work has explored themes of personal history and ancestry, while resonating with the history of South Africa and apartheid, by incorporating the archival and performative into a practice that centres storytelling and memory as it plays itself out in the familial experience.” With regards to what drives her success, Kganye says that the concept of individuality within a society or community has always been important. “However, I always think about the concept of ‘black excellence’ versus ‘black exceptionalism’. I have never wanted to be the exception, but rather a part of a community that has a mindset backed by actions that display leadership through perseverance. The true purpose of these actions is to advance the black community that is black excellence,” she says. —Af rika Bogatsu