Legacy of the Mine

Legacy of the Mine is a visual narrative of untold stories, exploring the consequences of mining on South Africa’s land and people. The objective was to reveal through the lens the forgotten communities that the mining industry has left behind. Godfrey’s subjects become symbols of the struggle for environmental and social justice in the country.

The ‘legacy’ of mining is apparent in many ways – through land rendered unfit for alternative uses, public health crises, land and water pollution, and the impact of historical labour exploitation on family structures. Unveiling these stories through investigative fieldwork across the country, Godfrey delves deeper into the effects of the mine on local communities.

About the Award

The Ernest Cole Photographic Award has been established to stimulate creative work in photography in southern Africa. Legacy of the Mine by Ilan Godfrey – with an introduction by Sakhela Buhlungu – is the second in a series of annual publications to be published under the auspices of this award.

About the Author

Ilan Godfrey was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1980. He has a BA (Hons) degree in Photography and a MA (Hons) degree in Photojournalism from the University of Westminster in London. Godfrey’s photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide and have been featured in a broad range of international publications. His personal work focuses on extensive issues that reflect South Africa’s constantly changing landscape, documenting the country with an in-depth, intimate and personal conscience. By conveying through long-term projects a process of exploratory narration with photography, he reveals varied aspects of societal change across the country.