Christmas

At Christmas my thoughts turn to people who have died this year - in South Africa and around the world.

I've been to more than thirty funerals in Cape Town this year.

In March 2006, photographer Gordon Parks died aged 93. I was lucky to meet him 2 years ago in his New York apartment. He was truly inspiring - since he excelled in so many disciplines besides photography.

Wherever you are ..

Merry Christmas.

N2

Two fires in two weeks. This one was on my way to Langa on the N2 this morning.

Local press is interested only if there are 'bodies and blood', so I'm putting it up here.

One from the album...

I was just about 22 here - trying to save up to buy my first camera. I tried my hand modelling for clothing catalogues for R50 a day which was quite a lot then.

I believe these shirts are back in fashion now - but maybe not the jacket.

Galloway

Spent Friday following UK Respect MP George Galloway who is in South Africa for a whirlwind tour. He started at the Supreme Court where he lent his support to local squatters threatened with eviction from Vygies Kraal. He went on to address worshippers at Gatesville Mosque (pictured here).

New Res fire

I hope there's going to be people out there interested in viewing these photographs and learning about life here in the townships and around the Western Cape.

Last night I was sitting in Porkie's Place - in Gugulethu. He's a double bassist I grew up with -I've been documenting his world for several years. You can view a picture here.

On my way home this huge fire had broken out in New Res informal settlement near Cape Town International airport. Luckily no one was hurt