Photojournalist based in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town
Joined March 2009
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Privileged to have met and travelled with @PioSmith_UN in Bangladesh this week, and to have spent some time with Mamouni and her community. So much incredible courage in this room.
“We need respect, but no one gives it”.
Mamouni, whom I had the privilege to meet with during my recent visit to Gaibandha in #Bangladesh, said that as a #transgender person, they have been rejected from their family, community, and society.
On #IDAHOBIT, @UNFPA calls to end discrimination against #LGBTQI+ people. Everyone should be able to live and love as they wish — rights and choices, for all 🧡
Samantha Reinders retweeted
Here’s a good example of exactly what art institutions SHOULDN’T be doing during this critical moment: ‘We have a moral responsibility to decide which side of history we will stand on,’ artists say as ‘Pro-Palestine artists cancelled across Europe’ aje.io/0628jn
Samantha Reinders retweeted
It’s Monday, November 27
WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained by the Russian FSB on March 29, 2023.
243 days ago.
His crime was practicing journalism in Russia.
если бы Путин действительно был сильным и уверенным в себе лидером, он бы освободил его.
#IStandWithEvan
Samantha Reinders retweeted
The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world and it sits on our doorstep here in South Africa. An untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. I am begging you to visit Prince Albert sometime. Don't just drive through it but make it one of your destinations where you spend 2-3 days there at least. And when you do, please take a drive along the Swartberg Pass 🇿🇦❤️
Besides the friendly people and quaint architecture of Prince Albert (a post for another time), you have the Swartberg pass which is about 10min away. That drive blew me away. Look at how small our car is in the third picture I've attached. You literally have to search for the car.
Along the way, there are relics of an old prison, toll hut and other interesting historical sites. The Swartberg Pass offers spectacular views and unrivaled natural beauty. It is regarded by many as the ultimate in gravel road passes in South Africa and the dry-stone retaining walls and geological formations have become iconic features of the Pass.
I keep telling people that when you travel, even just a little bit, it will help you heal our broken relationship with this country.
When you travel, you will be reminded of the never ending beauty in this country, and you will meet the real South Africans along the way. People who are friendly, kind, caring, and also just want to see things get better. You don’t have to go somewhere fancy. You just pick a small town, drive there with a partner or friend, and just wait for the magic.
Here's to acting like a tourist in your own country. It will change you when you do 😍
Samantha Reinders retweeted
I will say this again: holding major conferences, or sporting events, in countries that routinely - and inexplicably - deny visas to Africans is an act of discrimination.
So, just to recap on the live Eritrean visa story:
As of 08:00 (GMT) this morning, three Eritrean 🇪🇷 top level professional riders - Merhawi Kudus of @EFprocycling , Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier of @LidlTrek and Natnael Berhane of @Beykoz_Bld - do not have UK visas to race the Men’s Elite Road Race @CyclingWorlds which takes place this Sunday.
We believe there is still hope and that the UK Gov will expedite any review of this situation and solve it.
The reaction on social media and the media has been heart-warming and we of course hope a resolution can be found ASAP. Time is now very short though as these riders need to prepare and rest ahead of this Sunday’s 270km race. They can’t just get off a plane and take part as Merhawi had to do in 2015 for the Tour de Yorkshire due to the same issue.
On Biniam, his team have now stated his injuries are more serious than they first reported last week, and this is why he won’t race. We have seen some reports saying he did have a visa as of last week which we hope are true of course.
For his three top level compatriots, the clock is ticking fast…
#AfricaRising #Glasgow2023
Congrats!
Really excited to share some personal news — I'm returning to @NewhouseSU this academic year as both a student and professor! I'll be doing a faculty fellowship in immersive journalism. Super excited to meet all the @NewhouseVIS students and staff! Thanks @renee_c_stevens!
My photo of ‘lil Champu just after he was rescued in Kathmandu a few years ago on Nat Geo’s newsletter…
Great apes in Africa face the severe threats of habitat destruction and poaching for bushmeat. Now, they’re also increasingly targeted to supply international demand for pets and zoo attractions
on.natgeo.com/41wNniE
As a leaving gift my Bangladeshi colleagues bought me a fan to keep cool. “Because you have no electricity,” they said… 😳 Guess what I used within 2 hours of arrival in Cape Town…
The traffic in Dhaka is so bad I literally just got a message from Uber (while in an Uber) to say we’ve been stationary for so long that is everything okay??
HBD @mediabilan
One year ago today, six brave and brilliant young Somali women came together to form #Somalia's only all-female media house @MediaBilan. Now they have an audience of millions. From the shoot, to the edit, to the final piece - they do it all. Happy Birthday and congratulations!
Samantha Reinders retweeted
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
George Orwell
#IStandWithEvan Gershkovich, the American @WSJ journalist currently detained by Russian authorities. He’s not allowed contact with his family or access to an attorney provided by his outlet.
@pressfreedom & the int’l press call for his immediate release:
cpj.org/2023/03/cpj-media-or…
Samantha Reinders retweeted
Dear @CyrilRamaphosa, Today I am all over the place. A young vet, who started his new job at the SPCA the day before, was stabbed to death during load shedding when he went out and caught thieves stealing his car wheels. I thought you should know.
What a great weekend in Cape Town’s wine lands. Great to see transformation **actually happening. Story by @jeligon nytimes.com/2023/02/15/trave…
Has ANYONE applied (and gotten) a Bangladeshi visa from South Africa. I really need some help. Consulate doesn’t answer calls or mails. Visa agents won’t touch. Anyone??
