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Empowering Women Through Photography: Bassie Maluleka’s Vision

Jessica Proctor03 mins

Bassie Maluleka: Elevating Underrepresented Voices in Photography

Bassie Maluleka, a skilled photographer from South Africa now residing in Australia, has transformed her passion into a powerful career. By emphasizing often overlooked subjects, she brings a fresh perspective to fashion and commercial photography.

South African photographer Bassie Maluleka, now based in Australia, has made a career of bringing the often underrepresented to the forefront of fashion and commercial photography. Pictured: An image from Maluleka's 'Bahlolohadi' series, 2022.
South African photographer Bassie Maluleka, now based in Australia, has made a career of bringing the often underrepresented to the forefront of fashion and commercial photography. Pictured: An image from Maluleka’s ‘Bahlolohadi’ series, 2022.

The Concept Behind ‘Bahlolohadi’

The term “Bahlolohadi” translates to “widows” in Sesotho, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. Maluleka collaborated with stylist Francois Ferreira to highlight the customs and rituals of widows in South Africa. This project not only showcases her artistic vision but also raises awareness about cultural narratives that often go untold.

'Bahlolohadi' means widows in Sesotho, one of South Africa's 11 official languages. The concept was a collaboration with fellow South African stylist Francois Ferreira, 'to shine light on the customs and rituals of widows in South Africa,' Maluleka says.
‘Bahlolohadi’ means widows in Sesotho, one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. The concept was a collaboration with fellow South African stylist Francois Ferreira, ‘to shine light on the customs and rituals of widows in South Africa,’ Maluleka says.

Notable Collaborations

In a renowned collaboration with Nike and Dazed magazine in 2022, Maluleka captured powerful images within the Shapa Soweto facility in Johannesburg. This sports center aims to nurture a new generation of athletes from historically marginalized communities by providing access to resources free of charge.

In a collaboration between Nike and Dazed magazine (2022), Mululeka shot inside Shapa Soweto, a Nike sports facility in Johannesburg. Located in the historically underserved and racially segregated township of Soweto, the facility aims to foster a new generation of athletes -- many of whom would lack access otherwise -- all for free.
In a collaboration between Nike and Dazed magazine (2022), Mululeka shot inside Shapa Soweto, a Nike sports facility in Johannesburg. Located in the historically underserved and racially segregated township of Soweto, the facility aims to foster a new generation of athletes — many of whom would lack access otherwise — all for free.

Expanding Her Reach

Moreover, Maluleka’s impressive portfolio includes partnerships with global brands such as Zara, Puma, and Netflix. Through her extensive experience, she continues to break barriers and redefine representation in photography.

In addition to Nike (pictured from that campaign, South-African dancer Tarryn Alberts), Maluleka has worked with other brands including Zara, Puma and Netflix.
In addition to Nike (pictured from that campaign, South-African dancer Tarryn Alberts), Maluleka has worked with other brands including Zara, Puma and Netflix.


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