A Khayelitsha photographer is beaming with pride after scooping second place and a cash prize at the Silulo Ulutho Foundation prize-giving ceremony recently.
Teddy Sambu, who owns Teddy Sambu Production, was part of a group of more than 60 businesses people who had been selected to undergo an intensive 10-month 80-step business programme aimed at developing local entrepreneurs.
“Honestly it has not yet sunk in that I have won that prize. I mean I did not think that I will be getting this prize and the programme is quite intense and requires one to put in a lot of work and effort,” said Mr Sambu.
“The programme is crucial as it keeps us as local entrepreneurs on the ball and ensures that we grow our business.
“I believe that winning this award indeed puts a stamp on my work that I did not choose the wrong career path and I’m on the right track,” he said.
Mr Sambu said when he entered the programme he did not think he was going to win any awards as he enrolled to gain knowledge and skills to improve his business.
Talking about how he started his photography business, he said he always had a passion for photography and knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue this as a career.
Mr Sambu said he took a picture of his mother when she was still young and when she died he framed it and displayed it her funeral, evoking much emotion from everyone.
He said one of the reasons why he ventured into photography was to provide an opportunity for his loved ones to have a picture of the people they hold dear in their hearts.
He said one day he visited the Silulo Ulutho Technologies internet Café at Khayelitsha mall to ask if they needed a photographer but was told that they already had one.
However, he said when he heard on the radio that Silulo was going to host a graduation ceremony, he gate-crashed and took pictures anyway.
He then sent the pictures to the Silulo Ulutho Technologies boss who then decided to give him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by offering him computer classes and to become his mentor.
He said in 2010 he heard that there were white people from overseas who were looking for young, black photographer with a portfolio who would be sent for training in Botswana.
He said he entered the competition even though he did not have any portfolio or formal training.
He said he shared his story about photography and they were impressed. They offered him an opportunity to study a three-year course at Cape Town School of Photography and later took him on a trip in Botswana. He said he hopes to expand his business and create more employment opportunities.
