Santu Mofokeng Foundation Photography Prize
A new opportunity for South Africa's emerging photographers!
The Santu Mofokeng Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Santu Mofokeng Foundation Photography Prize, a new national award dedicated to recognising and supporting outstanding emerging photographers working in South Africa.
Established in honour of one of South Africa's most influential photographers, the Prize celebrates Santu Mofokeng's enduring legacy by investing in the next generation of photographic practitioners. Through a national open call, the initiative seeks to identify artists whose work demonstrates a thoughtful and compelling engagement with the photographic medium, reflecting the depth, sensitivity and critical awareness that characterised Mofokeng's practice.
The Santu Mofokeng Foundation Photography Prize has been established to create meaningful opportunities for emerging photographers, providing recognition, visibility and professional support at a pivotal stage in their careers. The inaugural award includes a R100,000 cash prize, editorial support, an artist profile and opportunities for future exhibition presentation through Latitudes programmes.
Applications are officially open and are open to emerging photographers living and working in South Africa. Eligible applicants should be independent practitioners submitting work produced within the past five years.
The Prize is administered by the Santu Mofokeng Foundation, with Latitudes serving as the Foundation's promotional and platform partner.
Through this new initiative, the Foundation extends its commitment to preserving, researching and sharing Santu Mofokeng's legacy while fostering the future of contemporary photography in South Africa.
Applications are officially open and close on 15 October 2026.
Winner receives:
R100,000 cash prize
Editorial support
Artist profile
Opportunities for future presentations within the Latitudes programmes
Open to:
Emerging photographers living and working in South Africa
Independent practitioners
Work produced within the last five years
Ts&Cs apply
About the Santu Mofokeng Foundation
The Santu Mofokeng Foundation was established in 2015 to preserve, research and share the work and legacy of Santu Mofokeng (1956–2020), one of South Africa's most celebrated photographers. Through exhibitions, publications, educational initiatives and public programmes, the Foundation advances understanding of Mofokeng's work while supporting contemporary photographic practice.
About Latitudes
Latitudes is a leading online art marketplace and fair platform dedicated to showcasing and supporting contemporary art from Africa. Through its curated digital platform and flagship event, RMB Latitudes Art Fair, it connects collectors, galleries and artists across the continent and beyond. Latitudes is reshaping the African art ecosystem with a bold, accessible and future-forward approach to discovery and engagement.
