Requiem to the Rainbow Nation

• Prize
  Bronze in Press/Political
• Photographer
  Pieter de Vos, Canada
• Date of Photograph
  2017 to 2018
• Socials
• Website
  http://www.pieterdevos.ca

"Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld—a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world."

—Nelson Mandela, 1994

As South Africa approaches the 25-year anniversary of its first open elections in April 2019, it is important to reflect on the country’s imperfect journey to democracy. For many, the dream of the “rainbow nation” remains elusive as socio-economic and political forces fray the fabric of the nation.

• Biography
  Pieter de Vos is a documentary photographer, facilitator, and engaged academic. He has a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Alberta. He has explored social issues such as poverty, social inclusion, and HIV/AIDS. His photos have been exhibited throughout Canada and have been featured by such media as Photo District News, the Globe and Mail, Photo Life Magazine, Alberta Views Magazine, the Edmonton Journal, and CBC Television. In 2012 (ongoing), he initiated a photographic and narrative exploration of place-making and spatial justice in an informal settlement in Pretoria, South Africa.
• Awards
  * PX3 2018 - Bronze Winner - Culture Category * PX3 2018 - Bronze Winner - Abstract Category * PX3 2018 - Honorable Mention * PX3 2018 - Honorable Mention National Pictures of the Year Awards Competition 2017 (NPAC) Photo District News (PDN) Photo Annual 2018 Siena International Photo Award 2018 Tokyo International Foto Awards 2018