Phill Magakoe

South African township-born photojournalist and Canon Ambassador Phill Magakoe has a talent for getting to the heart of a story with compelling images. His work, which has featured in publications such as Le Monde, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and The Washington Post, has helped catapult Africa's events onto the world stage.

Phill says his passion for photography began at university, when he witnessed the transformation that comes with processing film. "As a first year Economic Analysis student, I started to spend more time in the Arts faculty with a friend who was studying photography," he remembers. "One of the lecturers noticed my constant presence there and lent me his old film camera to use at home for the weekend. Afterwards, when processing that film and witnessing a picture developing on photographic paper, I was captivated by the process. I never put the camera down again."

"My career has evolved to a point where I work with news agencies, which has broadened the reach of my photos as they get published across the world," Phill says. "This has always been an ambition for me as I like to tell our local stories to a wider audience."

Phill's ability to be on the frontline of the action has made him a valuable asset. He has covered a range of stories, including the aftermath of natural disasters such as Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, the famine in Somalia, the Libyan civil war, the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, national elections and major sporting events.

While covering the unfolding repercussions of Covid-19 in South Africa, Phill saw a unique side of photojournalism that has made him learn more about himself. "Covering the pandemic had major health risks and I have learnt that I am braver than I thought. I have photographed events at health facilities, funerals and public places where one could easily contract the virus," he says.

However, photographing significant moments and seeing how those pictures instigate positive change can be one of the best facets of the job, Phill explains. "The most rewarding part is when my work makes an impact in struggling communities, when help arrives due to the stories and photographs that I've worked on," he says. "For example, the government and private sector often intervene in various situations faced by rural communities in South Africa after they have seen the coverage in the media."

What's one of the toughest things about being a photojournalist in South Africa?
"The increasingly negative attitude towards the media in some communities that experience service delivery challenges from their local governments. Covering the protests and strikes in those areas has become increasingly unsafe as those communities mistrust the press."

And the most rewarding thing?
"The main reward is that my work at times makes a difference to people's lives, especially in poor and neglected communities. Governments and organisations sometimes react after seeing media coverage of issues affecting communities."

What's the most valuable advice anyone has ever given you?
"Accomplished photojournalist Themba Hadebe of the Associated Press told me that 'no picture is worth your life'. This is the advice that I also give younger aspiring photojournalists."

What items are most essential to you when in the field?
"My kitbag, laptop, vehicle, teargas mask and water."

How do you make sure you're in the right place at the right time?
"Pre-visualising, punctuality, prior research and knowledge of the subject, or areas where I will be on assignment, are key for me."

"Being humble and respectful towards your subjects allows them to open up and reveal their innermost feelings and emotions. This allows me to tell their story as authentically as possible, regardless of which part of the world the story is in."