What is wrong about the images from TV?
The media only report on war, poverty, suffering, diseases, and how underdeveloped we are. As the reporters are usually not from here, they present our home in the way they see it. But one has to live here to understand it. We’re not saying that all the above is not true. We’re simply saying: This is Africa – it's not perfect, but it's our home.

Do you mainly want to address people from other continents, or would you prefer to change Africans’ own perception of their own continent?
We’d like to do both. We want to inspire and teach Africans about their continent to make them believe in Africa, and at the same time make them understand that all this suffering should end with a new generation of leaders and builders of an independent united Africa. Additionally we want to share and showcase the beauty and the beast of our home with the rest of the world.

How does it feel to slip into these historic personalities for the Khumbula photo shootings?
Just the sophistication of sartorial wear alone gives one a sense of pride. And it is very humbling to see the faces of older people telling us how we remind them of their dads or aunts.

What makes Khumbula so special is the fact that, apart from stylists and photographers, the collective also embraces the poet Phirima Motaung. What is his role?
The idea behind Khumbula is to showcase the art and science of craftsmanship on our continent. So we like to utilise as many crafts as we can in our projects. Phirima Motaung knows how to put our intentions in proper sentences and thereby enhances the effect of our projects.

Just the sophistication of sartorial wear alone gives one a sense of pride.

Where do you get inspiration for your photo series, and who are your style icons?
We get inspiration from our parents’ and elders’ stories and styles; we get it from where we are from and how we live. Our icons are our brothers Lourens Loux Gebhardt, the famous vintage fashionista from Namibia, Sthembiso Mngadi of the Fruitcake vintage store here in Jo’burg, and the lovely Nicola Cooper, trend-researcher and fashion geek from Pretoria, for her amazing vast knowledge of trends.

What’s the main challenge you face as a fashion collective?
Insufficient funds and resources are our main obstacles. We believe that we have a lot to show and say to the world, but the lack of finances, guidance and equipment humbles us. But we are working on changing that and are planning for the future. So please stay on the lookout for Khumbula.