Ilan Godfrey, Johannesburg (2026)

24/11/2025

A Feeling of Violence
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Violence and fear in the South African town of Brits are very real - but they exist within the context of South Africa’s high crime rate, not a “white genocide.”

Political figures abroad, like Donald Trump, have amplified these fears, offering asylum to white South Africans and spreading the narrative of systematic persecution.

Meanwhile, locals arm themselves, trying to protect their homes from crime and uncertainty. These images capture the tension between real threats, historical legacies, and global politics in this small town.
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1 & 2 - Anet Coetzee, 61, experienced a traumatic ordeal when a shotgun round was fired at her through her window as she lay in bed, causing severe facial injuries and permanent blindness in her right eye.

3 - Robert Alan Feldman, 63, lives behind security bars at his home in Brits. He describes a home invasion where men entered while he and his family slept. A scuffle ensued, and one of the intruders was accidentally shot with his own gun. Feldman was severely beaten in the ordeal.

4 - Samuel Matome, 51 (left), and Astrid Poorter, 62 (right), at Topaz Flower Nurseries and Farm. Both of Astrid’s parents were beaten on the farm where they lived and later succumbed to their injuries three years ago.

3 - Once a month, Afriforum members gather to discuss security in Brits and surrounding areas before heading out on patrols.

4 - Carin Holtzhausen, 50, waits for the rest of the convoy before patrolling the dusty backroads connecting various farms.

5 - Marius Kearns, 57, pilots a drone equipped with thermal and night vision capabilities to monitor suspicious activity over urban and rural farmland.

6 - Pieter Breedt, 44, assists with a drone equipped with thermal and night vision capabilities to detect suspicious activity across large areas.
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Photographed for:
Reporter: Muriel Kalisch
Photo Editor: Henriette Simons .penny

01/07/2025

U.S. helped halt Africa’s HIV crisis; now Trump’s cuts force reckoning
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An assignment in March took me to Eswatini, where The Luke Foundation—a charity that runs the Miracle Campus and is founded and led by the dedicated husband and wife duo Echo and Harry VanderWal—has transformed lives through vital HIV treatment, maternal health care, and compassionate community support.

For over two decades, U.S. initiatives like PEPFAR and USAID funding brought lifesaving antiretroviral treatment to millions across Southern Africa—dramatically improving life expectancy and offering hope where little existed before. These investments enabled clinics to thrive, nurses to serve, and communities to heal.

But today, abrupt aid cuts stemming from Trump-era budget decisions have forced these open doors to close. The foundation, once a place of welcome, now faces the painful reality of turning patients away. Across the region, long-standing health programs—HIV testing, treatment counseling, prenatal care—are shuttered, health workers laid off, and progress threatens to unravel.

These photographs capture a moment suspended between past triumph and an uncertain future—where the human cost of political decisions echoes in every waiting room, every empty chair, and every life deferred.
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With much gratitude to for the opportunity to work on this important story, written by for .

For

09/02/2025

South Africans demand answers after mine tragedy: ‘How many more must die?’

It has been ten years since my first exploration into the underbelly of South Africa’s illegal mining sector. Early visits to abandoned gold mines around Johannesburg gave me an insight into the dangers people face, desperate in their need to go deep underground through treacherous shafts some descending three to four kilometres in search of gold.

Yet nothing has changed.

Reporter, Tabeki Timse and I visited Khuma and the adjacent Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein to meet survivors, rescuers and families who are overwhelmed by the recent tragedy that has beset their community, where 78 bodies and 246 survivors were recovered after a lengthy standoff with police that lasted several months.

- Materials are seen above the decommissioned Buffelsfontein gold mine on Sunday.

- Ayanda Ndabeni, 35, made his way into the Buffelsfontein mine in September to work as an informal miner and was later rescued in an operation in November.

- Zinzi Tom, 31, hasn’t seen her brother Ayanda since July, when the 28-year-old went underground to work as an informal miner to support his family.

- A volunteer who participated in the rescue effort in the Buffelsfontein mine and who was photographed on the condition of anonymity for fear of government reprisals. He said he was struck by the smell of decomposing corpses as he entered the shaft.
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For report by Tabelo Timse and with thanks to for the opportunity to work on this important story.

25/11/2024

Zambia’s green energy is running dry
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I recently travelled to Zambia to produce content in and around Lusaka and on the banks of the immense and steadily evaporating Kariba Dam and Zambezi river tributaries.

I witnessed first-hand the impact drought is having on a growing nation, the environment and economy.
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1 – Uhanenayo Etienne, 22 is from Luanda, Angola. He runs the local Elohim Minimart and Butchery. He has resorted to a generator to keep the fridges on.

2 - Thabo Mulenga, 16 who works at Manna Carwash has seen a steady decline in the number of cars coming through to be cleaned.

3 - Children from the community of Kabwata assist in the selling of Charcoal.

4 - Francis Nyasulu, 16 delivers charcoal to a home in the neighbourhood of Kabwata.

5 - Chama Chama, 30 (left) and sister Ronah Muchindu, 30 (right) run a small solar system for electricity however have resorted to charcoal for cooking.

6/7 - Karefa Mpdona, 53 has been packing charcoal for the last six months.

8/9 - Khonzi Silumba, 16 (left) and George Mwiinga, 20 (right) maintain the maize fields. They have struggled with the ongoing drought.

10 - The Greenbelt Farm Community and China Zambia Friendship Farm have faced
difficulties due to the rain fall patterns.

11 -Albert Kondowe, 32 is on dialysis however, due to the worsening power cuts he cannot rely on an electric dialyser for the time period required.

12/13/14 - The Kariba Dam, built on the Zambezi River, has been a pillar of Zambia’s energy infrastructure.

15 - Cephas Museba, manager of the hydropower plant at the Kariba Dam.

16 – Fisherman moored on the shores of the Kariba Dam await their return to the lake in the evening to catch shoals of Kapenta.

17 – Children from the village of Kanyelele Town swim and wash on the banks of the Kariba Dam.

18/19 – Emmanuel K***a, 62, has been producing charcoal for the last twenty years.

20 – Anthony Nkunika, 51 lives with his wife Magret and children, in Kanyama Compound, Lusaka. Power cuts have forced Magret to close her business selling frozen meat.
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Photographed for:
Reporter:
Photo Editor:

25/11/2024

The debate over finding solutions to counter the effects of global warming, with rising temperatures a central concern, remains contentious.

Zambia is seen by many as a country on the forefront of a ‘green revolution’ with most of its electricity generated by hydropower.

Where coal fired powerplants have brought into question the devastating pollutants spewed out into the atmosphere.

Hydropower on the other hand is welcomed as a clean source of energy for millions of people in the developing world.

However, what happens when unprecedented drought puts an almost complete halt to this renewable energy source.

I was recently assigned by The Washington Post to visit Zambia on a week-long trip to produce content in and around Lusaka and on the banks of the immense and steadily evaporating Kariba Dam and Zambezi river tributaries.

I witnessed first-hand the impact drought is having on a growing nation, the environment and economy.

It is with much gratitude to Dominique for giving me the opportunity to work on this important story, written by for

A wider edit to follow.
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For

08/10/2024

Outtakes of various performances in rehearsal to the run up of the first nights Step Afrika! production, photographed for The New York Times.
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It was a real honor to photograph to accompany an excellent piece by in The New York Times. From the streets of Katlehong Township to the globalstage, Vusi’s passion for a street-dancing style known as Pantsula has brought something powerfully moving and socio-politically significant to local and international audiences.

Vusi’s choreographed theatrical performance titled, “Izithukukuthuku,” or “The Tattered Soul of a Worker,” combines, various dance techniques, typewriters, beer crates, narration and even crumpled paper bringing together a multi-layered, deeply South African storyline that must be told.

I really enjoyed spending time with Vusi and his fellow Step Africa! Performers. The talent they imbue is mesmerizing and couldn’t resist photographing the many different acts that made up this incredible show over two days at the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg.

My sincere gratitude as always to and the for the continued collaboration.
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08/10/2024

Outtakes of various performances in rehearsal to the run up of the first nights Step Afrika! production, photographed for The New York Times.
___
It was a real honor to photograph to accompany an excellent piece by in The New York Times. From the streets of Katlehong Township to the global stage, Vusi’s passion for a street-dancing style known as Pantsula has brought something powerfully moving and socio-politically significant to local and international audiences.

Vusi’s choreographed theatrical performance titled, “Izithukukuthuku,” or “The Tattered Soul of a Worker,” combines, various dance techniques, typewriters, beer crates, narration and even crumpled paper bringing together a multi-layered, deeply South African storyline that must be told.

I really enjoyed spending time with Vusi and his fellow Step Africa! Performers. The talent they imbue is mesmerizing and couldn’t resist photographing the many different acts that made up this incredible show over two days at the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg.

My sincere gratitude as always to and the for the continued collaboration.
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21/08/2024

Erns Jiyana, 31yrs lost his job during Covid...as a means to survive his father provided him the opportunity to dig for 'Crystal Quartz' on the land adjacent to their home and now employs thirty six people.

Recent work for The Wall Street Journal on South Africa’s back yard ‘Crystal Quartz’ digging phenomenon with words by Alexandra Wexler. Found in abundance about 90 miles from Johannesburg, this small inconspicuous village has ignited an excavation frenzy.

In the posts to follow I will share a selection of short photographic series that profile community members eking out a living as they go deeper underground in search of that prized specimen.

As Alexandra writes. “In recent years, endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Adele have helped turn crystal quartz from a New Age fad into a growing slice of the booming wellness industry.⁠
⁠
That has set off a rush to find quartz, one of the most common minerals on Earth, but one for which scientists say there is no evidence for healing or other powers.⁠
⁠
“Right now the global crystal market is kind of like the Wild West,” says Cristina Villegas, director of sustainable markets at Pact, a Washington, D.C., non-profit. “The serious risks can range from tunnel collapse, sudden flooding, free fall or asphyxia due to lack of ventilation.” ⁠
⁠
Crystal quartz is often sold via online crystal stores and collector websites alongside jewellery and trinkets. Polished, jewel-coloured as well as colourless quartz can sell from a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the colour and size of the crystal. ⁠
⁠
A thumb-sized pale purple amethyst on one website costs $42, for example, while special pieces of cactus quartz, which is typically a large central crystal encrusted with smaller crystals growing around it, can sell for as much as $40,000, says Rob Lavinsky, founder of The Arkenstone, a Texas-based website targeted at rock collectors.”
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06/08/2024

Chico Masia, 62yrs has been digging for 'Crystal Quartz' in the mountains that surround his home for over ten years. Earnings vary depending on the qaulity of the crystal but on average range from R100 - R150 ($5-8USD) per kilo.

Recent work for The Wall Street Journal on South Africa’s back yard ‘Crystal Quartz’ digging phenomenon with words by Alexandra Wexler. Found in abundance about 90 miles from Johannesburg, this small inconspicuous village has ignited an excavation frenzy.

In the posts to follow I will share a selection of short photographic series that profile community members eking out a living as they go deeper underground in search of that prized specimen.

As Alexandra writes. “In recent years, endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Adele have helped turn crystal quartz from a New Age fad into a growing slice of the booming wellness industry.⁠
⁠
That has set off a rush to find quartz, one of the most common minerals on Earth, but one for which scientists say there is no evidence for healing or other powers.⁠
⁠
“Right now the global crystal market is kind of like the Wild West,” says Cristina Villegas, director of sustainable markets at Pact, a Washington, D.C., non-profit. “The serious risks can range from tunnel collapse, sudden flooding, free fall or asphyxia due to lack of ventilation.” ⁠
⁠
Crystal quartz is often sold via online crystal stores and collector websites alongside jewellery and trinkets. Polished, jewel-coloured as well as colourless quartz can sell from a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the colour and size of the crystal. ⁠
⁠
A thumb-sized pale purple amethyst on one website costs $42, for example, while special pieces of cactus quartz, which is typically a large central crystal encrusted with smaller crystals growing around it, can sell for as much as $40,000, says Rob Lavinsky, founder of The Arkenstone, a Texas-based website targeted at rock collectors.”

Thank you to for the opportunity to work on this story and a power edit.
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05/08/2024

Linki Mugidi, 50yrs relocated to Boekenhouthoek over a year ago to earn an income by digging for 'Crystal Quartz' so she can provide for her two children. She has worked on several different sites in and around the village and now currently works Rupert Lhlapo's back yard site adjacent to his home. They share the proceeds among them and two other diggers.

Recent work for The Wall Street Journal on South Africa’s back yard ‘Crystal Quartz’ digging phenomenon with words by Alexandra Wexler. Found in abundance about 90 miles from Johannesburg, this small inconspicuous village has ignited an excavation frenzy.

In the posts to follow I will share a selection of short series that profile community members eking out a living as they go deeper underground in search of that prized specimen.

As Alexandra writes. “In recent years, endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Adele have helped turn crystal quartz from a New Age fad into a growing slice of the booming wellness industry.⁠
⁠
That has set off a rush to find quartz, one of the most common minerals on Earth, but one for which scientists say there is no evidence for healing or other powers.⁠
⁠
“Right now the global crystal market is kind of like the Wild West,” says Cristina Villegas, director of sustainable markets at Pact, a Washington, D.C., non-profit. “The serious risks can range from tunnel collapse, sudden flooding, free fall or asphyxia due to lack of ventilation.” ⁠
⁠
Crystal quartz is often sold via online crystal stores and collector websites alongside jewellery and trinkets. Polished, jewel-coloured as well as colourless quartz can sell from a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the colour and size of the crystal. ⁠
⁠
A thumb-sized pale purple amethyst on one website costs $42, for example, while special pieces of cactus quartz, which is typically a large central crystal encrusted with smaller crystals growing around it, can sell for as much as $40,000, says Rob Lavinsky, founder of The Arkenstone, a Texas-based website targeted at rock collectors.”
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19/02/2024

Outtakes of Hector Mgiba, CEO of the Makers Valley Partnership, photographed for Monocle Magazine.
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jozi
monocle

Ilan Godfrey

24/11/2025

01/07/2025

09/02/2025

25/11/2024

25/11/2024

08/10/2024

08/10/2024

21/08/2024

06/08/2024

05/08/2024

19/02/2024

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