Ilvy Njiokiktjien

Ilvy Njiokiktjien was selected for the 2020 European Press Prize shortlist with ‘BORN FREE – Mandela’s Generation of Hope.’

Ilvy Njiokiktjien is an independent photographer and multimedia journalist based in the Netherlands, represented by VII Photo Agency and is a Canon Ambassador. She has worked in many parts of the world, with a focus on Africa. As a documentary photographer, she covers current affairs and contemporary social issues. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Der Spiegel, NRC Handelsblad, Telegraph Magazine and Stern, among others, and was exhibited at Visa pour l’Image in 2012. Her accolades include a Canon AFJ Award, two awards at World Press Photo and first prize in POYi’s Issue Reporting Multimedia Story. During her work in South Africa in 2007, Dutch photojournalist Ilvy Njiokiktjien became intrigued by the born-frees, the first generation of youngsters born after apartheid ended. During a timeframe of twelve years, Njiokiktjien portrayed them in her own, personal and intimate style.

“Equality is there on paper, but a majority of young people believes white South Africans still have better chances, as the legacy of centuries of inequality is still there.”

Njiokiktjien’s born free series has been published in major publications around the world.

Photo: Jet van Gaal