Author Description

"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 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. 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." -- Publisher.