by Gerrit Bester
In 2022, industry partners from the Commercial Photography programme, offered by the Faculty of Arts and Design, openly shared concerns about the skills their students lacked when placed with them for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), emphasising not only technical proficiency but also essential abilities like effective communication and critical thinking. In response, the programme took this feedback to heart and, in 2024, launched the Bridging the Gap series to help close the divide between lecture room learning and workplace expectations.
This initiative involves industry professionals collaborating with students for several days of immersive learning, hands-on engagement, mentorship and networking, among others.
The effort has borne fruit, with at least ten students securing employment opportunities directly from their WIL placements.
This year’s edition has expanded significantly into a five-day event, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers.
These included part-time lecturer and award-winning photographer, Herman Verwey, who spoke about Finding Your Voice in Client Work; Adam Houghton, discussing The Business Behind the Lens: Turning Creative Skill into Income; and Nazreen Herman from Portside Consulting, on Cruise Life: Travelling the World Through the Lens, among others.
Herman Verwey, part-time lecturer at the Commercial Photography programme and award-winning photographer, speaking to students about finding your voice in client work. PHOTO: Khetukuthula Mahamba
Reflecting on the week, Monique du Plessis, lecturer and WIL-coordinator, said: “This week wasn’t just about filling a gap. It was about breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be industry-ready – not just in skills, but also in mindset, presence and professionalism.”
Monique du Plessis, lecturer and WIL-coordinator of the Commercial Photography programme. PHOTO: Khetukuthula Mahamba
To enlighten students about the Faculty’s theme of the year, Agency, Hein Grové, Section Head for Commercial Photography, explained: “We often talk about agency as an individual journey – my style, my goals, my hustle. But the most sustainable and creative forms of agency are collaborative. Agency means asking for help, offering insight and co-creating with people who challenge and expand your thinking.”
Hein Grové, Section Head of the Commercial Photography programme. PHOTO: Didintle Morudu
Asked what his key takeaways are from the event, Didintle Morudu (23), an Advanced Diploma; Commercial Photography student, said: "Bridging the Gap was more than just a workshop; it was a learning opportunity that served as a phenomenal platform to learn from experienced industry members about finding your voice, curating your voice into a lucrative business and transcending the boundaries that have been set by constantly shifting trends. An important aspect I took from the event is being yourself and embedding that in your work."
For the first time, the Programme hosted students and lecturers from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
Prof Anneke de Klerk shared VUT’s vision for the future of photography, highlighting student work to illustrate how much their programme has evolved and where they stand today.
Senior students (Advanced and Postgraduate) from VUT were invited to a networking event with TUT’s Commercial Photography students (Advanced, Postgraduate and Master’s), marking a historic moment of inter-university collaboration.
“We hope that this initiative will rekindle the flame of collaboration and networking between universities,” Grové concluded.
Top: The Bridging the Gap series, offered by the Commercial Photography programme, involved industry professionals collaborating with students for five days of immersive learning, hands-on engagement, mentorship and networking, among others. Here they pose with staff and students during the event. PHOTO: Didintle Morudu
Top: For the first time, the Programme hosted students and lecturers from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), strengthening inter-university collaboration. PHOTO: Kevin Modise