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South Africans can now experience the internationally acclaimed Sony World Photography Awards exhibition on home soil for the first time.
Opening on 15 August, the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography in Forest Town will host Decisive Moment: Sony World Photography Awards, showcasing a curated selection of award-winning images from the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of one of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions.
Presented in partnership with Creo and the World Photography Organisation, the exhibition is the first of its kind to be shown in South Africa, showcasing powerful visual stories from photographers from across the world.
Entering its 20th edition, the Sony World Photography Awards has celebrated excellence in photography, establishing itself as one of the world’s leading photography competitions, recognising both established and emerging talent. With more than 430,000 submissions from over 200 countries and territories, the 2026 awards highlight the worldwide appeal and reach of the competition.
Exploring the world through contemporary photography
On display is a diverse collection of award-winning photographs that capture moments from documentary, portraiture, wildlife, sport, landscape and creative photography. Together, the photographs capture a broad range of cultures, environments and perspectives, demonstrating the photographers' ability to document history, tell compelling stories and inspire conversation.
"To bring these images to Johannesburg is a real privilege. The exhibition gathers perspectives, stories, environments, cultures and artistic approaches from across the globe, and presents them in a city that is itself defined by complexity and diversity. We believe this exhibition will offer something meaningful to every visitor, while celebrating the extraordinary work of the Sony World Photography Awards," says Roger Ballen, Founder of the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography.
Whether your interest lies in wildlife photography and intimate portraits or documentary photography, Decisive Moment offers you the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary photography exhibitions right here in Johannesburg.
Celebrating South Africa’s rising photographers
The international exhibition is accompanied by New Eyes: The Roger Ballen Centre Photography Award, an exhibition that showcases the work of South African emerging photographers.
The inaugural edition features the work of D.M. Terblanche, Zwelibanzi Zwane and Karabo Mooki, which celebrates the diversity and creative energy of South Africa’s emerging photographic talent.
Presented side by side, the two exhibitions create a compelling conversation between internationally acclaimed photographers and South Africa’s emerging photographers, celebrating both their photographic talents.
Beyond the exhibition
Beyond the exhibitions, visitors can enjoy a programme of talks, walkabouts, workshops and educational events that offer fresh insight into photography and the stories behind the images. The programme offers visitors engaging ways to explore photography beyond the exhibition itself.
Exhibition details
- Where: Roger Ballen Centre for Photography, 2 Duncombe Road, Forest Town, Johannesburg
- When: 15 August 2026 to 22 January 2027
- Cost: R50 for admission
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm
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