Of Soul and Joy is an artistic initiative kickstarted in 2012 by Rubis Mécénat and Easigas in Thokoza, in Joburg's East Rand. Through encouraging photography as a means of creative expression, the initiative champions the development of artistic skills in the field of photography amongst the youth of Thokoza and the surrounding areas.

This year's edition sees former and current Of Soul and Joy students exhibiting their finest photography. There is also an exciting line-up of photography-focused activities including talks and a panel discussion led by top local photographers Andrew Shabangu, Jabulani Dhlamini, John Fleetwood, along with other upcoming creatives.

The exhibition also honours South Africa's 25 years of democracy, showcasing a new series of works with under the theme, Khumalo Street, post-1994. Khumalo Street was once considered a 'no-go' area in the late 1980s/early 1990s due to the political violence that shook the area. Works in this exhibition "seek to reflect on and capture a Khumalo Street that is free from political violence but at the same time interrogate its current state." 

The festival takes place at Buhlebuzile Secondary school in Thokoza and a free shuttle service is available from Joburg which departs from the Market Photo Workshop at 138 Lillian Ngoyi St, Newtown to Thokoza at 12:00.