Thuli Dlamini: “I’ve Always Been Determined to Let My Work Speak for Itself”

Thuli Dlamini is a celebrated photojournalist from Umlazi who attended IMM to study Marketing, but discovered photography when her father encouraged her to give it a try.

Since then, Dlamini has been making waves in the sport scene, previously taking up the opportunity as one of the official photographers for the Telkom Netball League.

Behind the lens is Dlamini’s safe haven, as she says: “What most people don’t know is that I’m shy. In my line of work, I have to be outspoken and brave to get the best shots but there’s a reason I’m more comfortable behind the lens.”

As 2023 is deemed The Year of Women’s Sport, Dlamini hopes that this year will be a gamechanger for women both on and off the field in South Africa.

Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Dlamini chats about her greatest ambition to win an award in sport and host a photo exhibition.

Thuli, thank you for chatting to us. Please tell us about yourself and where you are from?

I grew up in Umlazi. I first studied Marketing through IMM but at some point I was unhappy. My father suggested that I explore photography. I fell in love with it and I never looked back. After completing my studies, I worked as a news photo journalist but I’ve since been involved in sport and other different types of photography.

When and where did your love for sport begin and did you play?

I’ve always loved sport since I was young. I grew up in a family that watched and played sports and I also played football until tertiary level. It was natural for me to incorporate sport into my work after starting my journey as a photographer.

Photo journalism is very male-dominated. How have you stayed disciplined and determined to make it your career?

I’ve learnt to do things the way they naturally come to me, to trust my instincts and to not compare myself with anyone. I believe we all have a different eye and a different story to tell, so I’ve always been determined to let my work speak for itself.

What are some challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

Unfortunately, in our field there are still elements of sexism, classism and other ills that lead to some photographers undermining others. I’ve overcome them by focusing on my work and being surrounded by great people.

What has been some of your career highlights?

Winning the Vodacom Photographer of the Year Award at the National Vodacom Awards in 2017 and also being chosen by Netball SA as one of the official photographers for the Telkom Netball League.

What would you say are some of the best moments you have captured?

In news it was the photos of the Thokoza hostel that were part of the feature that won the Vodacom award. I’ve also captured some great shots in the Telkom Netball League.

Which sportswomen or photo journalists do you admire and why?

I really admire Serena Williams and the impact that she had not just in tennis but the upliftment of women in sport. I also admire Amanda Dlamini for how she has transitioned from being a leader on the field but also being involved in sport after her playing days. I also have to mention Veronica Phewa who was my favourite player growing up.

What is it that people don’t know about you?

What most people don’t know is that I’m shy. In my line of work I have to be outspoken and brave to get the best shots but there’s a reason I’m more comfortable behind the lens.

What do you do for fun?

If I’m not watching sport, I travel, try different foods and I watch reality TV shows like Survivor and Masterchef.

As South Africa is deemed the year of women’s sports. How do you think women on and off the field can take advantage of the World Cup events, especially photo journalists?

Having the whole world in our backyard is a great opportunity for us to showcase our country and our work in a way that has not been seen before. The short term effect is that we can enhance our brands through these global events. Whatever we document will outlive all of us so it’s important that we capture the moments the best way we can.

How do you think these World Cups will impact women’s sport in South Africa?

Hosting such big events is an opportunity to show how far women’s sport has grown in the country despite the many challenges. It’s great exposure for our teams and it can lead to better opportunities for those involved on and off the field. It also helps to grow the sport in areas where it’s not popular and to inspire the youth.

What’s your greatest career ambition?

My ambitions are to win an award in sport and to have a photo exhibition.

What’s your advice to women who aspire to be in the sport industry?

I’d advise them to keep chasing their dreams even if they seem too big. Sport is something that is driven by passion, but it is also a big business – it’s important for women to be involved in all the different sectors.