Joel Meyerowitz is announced as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Photography title of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, which honours the people that have shaped the history of the medium. Meyerowitz is recognised for his diverse and expansive body of work, and its extraordinary influence on the visual vocabulary of photography.

Joel Meyerowitz’s practice is marked by his observant eye, finely tuned to the currents and textures of life. His work shows a fascination with life happening around him, and a remarkable instinct for framing images that are at once revealing and enigmatic, imbued with beauty and wit. Meyerowitz’s photographs direct the viewer’s gaze to the parallel and interconnected stories that define a moment. The subjects of his photographs are wide-ranging, from his iconic depictions of the bustle of city life, to his depictions of coastal life and the vast seascapes of Cape Cod, through to his pivotal series documenting all the work inside Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11, and his recent self-portraiture. Over the years, Joel Meyerowitz has captured the surprises that can be found by looking carefully at the scenes that surround us.

An early proponent of colour photography, Joel Meyerowitz was instrumental in bringing this method to widespread recognition and use, and is credited for expanding its global appreciation, establishing it as a fine art practice. His work since the early 1960s has made him a leading figure in the history of 20th century photography.

To mark the award, a special retrospective of works by Joel Meyerowitz will be shown at Somerset House, London, as part of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition. This showcase offers an insight into the spirit and curiosity that has characterised his practice for the past six decades. Through video and audio installations, Meyerowitz invites visitors to see from his vantage point, recalling the sense of wonder he experienced seeing the scenes in his images for the first time. In several specially commissioned new video and audio installations created in collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Chris Ryan, the photographer reflects on the process of the making of specific images, as well as charting the trajectories of his life, tracing the steps and creative turning points that have led him to the current point. The exhibition will additionally present emblematic works from across Meyerowitz’s career including his early street photography from New York and his travels to Europe, his ‘field photographs,’ focused on the colours, objects and patterns across the frame, photographs from his time in Cape Cod, and his coverage of Ground Zero.

Born in New York City, USA in 1938, Joel Meyerowitz studied painting and medical drawing at Ohio State University before working as an advertising art director. After watching the Swiss-American photographer Robert Frank shoot an advertising project for him in 1962, Meyerowitz immediately quit his job and went out onto the streets with a borrowed camera and two rolls of colour film, and embarked on a career that would make an indelible mark on the medium. While his early work was in colour, he later added Black and White to his photography. Meyerowitz’s work forms an integral part of the American photographic canon – it has appeared in over 350 exhibitions in museums and galleries across the world, and has been published in 57 monographs.

Commenting on his acceptance of the award, Joel Meyerowitz says: ‘I am honoured to be selected as this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Photography recipient. The photographs I have made over the years show the world as I see it, and the moments of beauty, humour and fun that can be found everywhere, if we take the opportunity to look. I hope this exhibition will encourage visitors to look again at their surroundings and engage with all of the life that unfolds around them.’

The Outstanding Contribution to Photography award recognises the voices behind the most groundbreaking photographic work of our time. As its 19th recipient, Joel Meyerowitz joins a distinguished list of names including Mary Ellen Mark (2014), Martin Parr (2017), Graciela Iturbide (2021), Edward Burtynsky (2022), Sebastião Salgado (2024) and Susan Meiselas (2025).

Meyerowitz will be presented with his award at the annual gala ceremony in London on 16 April 2026, during an evening of celebrations where the overall winners of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 will be announced.

On the occasion of the exhibition a special talk with Joel Meyerowitz will take place on 21 April 2026. A limited number of combined exhibition and talk tickets will be available – register here to stay up to date.

For more information about the Sony World Photography Awards and upcoming announcements and events, please visit worldphoto.org.

Voluntourism describes when travellers participate in volunteer work, often supporting charitable or community-based projects.

The term popped up in the 1990s and hit its stride in the 2000s, when gap-year adventurers set out with a backpack full of dreams and a clean T-shirt. You wouldn’t be wrong for picturing “hippie-type” solo travellers, content with beach huts and a diet of budget noodles.

But those free-spirited 2000s travellers are parents now. Instead of just swapping stories from Southeast Asia, they’re teaching their kids the value of responsible travel. And boom, family voluntourism is born.

It looks a little different these days. Less ‘Survivor’ chic, more practical and purposeful. If you’re dreaming of a family holiday that builds memories and contributes to real, sustainable change, here’s what you need to know.

The Benefits

Studies, including research led by the University of Texas, link youth volunteering with lower anxiety and depressive symptoms and fewer behavioural issues in adolescence and young adulthood. It builds empathy, perspective and self-esteem beyond the confines of a standard educational environment.

Family trips already bond us. Volunteering adds purpose to that connection. Throw travel into the mix, and suddenly your child is learning in the world’s biggest classroom, with “global citizen” as their unofficial job title.

So where does a family actually start in their quest for an out-of-the-ordinary holiday to remember? That’s where the magic of professionally arranged volunteer travel comes in. Those original voluntourists may have had time to figure things out on the road, but today’s families can rely on expert guidance instead.

“Our Travel Experts match families with responsible, well-run programmes through trusted partners,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa. “This makes it easy to add purpose to a holiday, at the comfort level that suits you.”

Turner adds that booking through a trusted advisor gives families total peace of mind.

“We vet our partners carefully, so travellers know their time and efforts are genuinely contributing to local communities and conservation projects, not just ticking a box.”

Travel Kind: The Do No Harm Checklist

Voluntourism works best when it genuinely helps, not harms. Before adding any give back experience to your family itinerary, run a quick ethics check.

What to look for

• Local-led or community-owned projects that reinvest in the area
• Transparent use of volunteer fees
• Strong child-safeguarding policies when little ones are involved

What to avoid

• Any wildlife handling or performances
• Visits to residential care facilities (orphanages/children’s homes) as global child‑safeguarding guidance discourages these
• Pay-to-play photo opportunities
• Activities that replace local jobs

International Highlights

1. Mauritius – Puppy Cuddles and Purpose

Join the Protection of Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) for a morning of walking, bathing and caring for rescue dogs. It is a heartwarming experience squeezed neatly between snorkelling sessions.

At a glance: Half Day experience | Year-round | Light activity | Accessible from most resorts | All ages with guardian | Under staff supervision

2. Cambodia – Elephant Sanctuary

The Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary protects forests and their wild residents after decades of illegal logging. Families can join weekly volunteer programmes focused on forest restoration and animal care. Observation only, no riding, feeding or bathing.

At a glance: Three to five days | Year-round | Moderate walking on rough paths | Minimum age ten with guardian

3. Seychelles – Coral Gardeners in Training

The WiseOceans Marine Discovery Programme within the five-star Kempinski Seychelles Resort on Mahé offers something very special indeed. Not only can youngsters experience Seychelles’ ocean life through tailored excursions (and under the wing of the resort’s marine biologist), including beach exploration, guided snorkelling and a host of kids’ club activities, but guests can become active participants in coral conservation too.

As Christine Vel, Director at Seychelles Tourism, explains, it is an unforgettable opportunity for budding marine biologists.

“Guests can choose their level of involvement, including getting hands-on by learning how to attach coral fragments, monitor their growth, and then following their journey back to the reef,” explains Vel. “Coral sponsors even receive certificates, photographs of their coral ‘babies’ and regular updates on their growth and progress.”

At a glance: Year-round | Activities differ according to age, weather and interest

4. Costa Rica – Hatchlings and Hope

Along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, local NGOs guide families during turtle nesting and hatching season. Watching a hatchling waddle toward the surf might be the most memorable empathy lesson on earth.

At a glance: Night patrols one to two hours | Peak June to November depending on coast | Moderate beach walking | Red light torches only | Eight plus with guardian

Local Legends

1. Cape Town – Penguin Rescue Mornings At SANCCOB

Help prepare feeds and care for rescued seabirds under expert supervision, with no direct wildlife handling unless trained.

At a glance: Half day | Year-round with peak May to August | Indoor and outdoor tasks | Ten plus with guardian

2. The Garden Route – Tree Planting with Greenpop

Roll up your sleeves, plant indigenous trees, learn about reforestation and enjoy a little music, laughter and maybe some compost in your hair.

At a glance: Half or full day | Seasonal August to November | Outdoor activity | Family friendly with guardian for minors

3. Kruger Region – Citizen Conservation

Partner lodges near Kruger and Addo collaborate with SANParks Honorary Rangers to include practical conservation experiences, from removing invasive plants to monitoring wildlife. Equal parts rewarding and wild.

At a glance: Half to multi day | Year-round | Heat exposure and light hiking | Activities vary by lodge such as invasive plant removal

4. Namibia – Ocean Conservation Days

Join Ocean Conservation Namibia volunteers to support trained teams during seal rescues, with no direct handling, or take part in high-impact coastal cleanups. Sustainability with a side of sea breeze.

At a glance: Half day | April to October | Windy conditions, moderate stamina helpful | Twelve plus with guardian

Big Memories, Bigger Impact

“The new generation of travellers is moving beyond ‘leave no trace’ – they want to leave a positive impact,” says Turner. “Families are leading that charge, with parents recognising how travel can shape children’s values in the best possible way.”

Whether you help penguins find their feet or corals find new life, you will come home with more than souvenirs. You’ll return with empathy, perspective and a very good story for Monday’s school drop-off.

As the world marks the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), RCS, a leading financial services provider, is issuing an urgent call to action against the fastest growing form of abuse: digital violence against women and girls. Aligning with the 2025 theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” RCS is highlighting the acceleration of online harassment, often amplified by new technology like generative AI and deepfakes.

The need for intervention is critical. The most recent RCS Violence Survey, developed in partnership with BNP Paribas and the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), found that 53% of South African women experienced some form of GBV in the last year.

“Online abuse rarely stays online. It inflicts significant real-world harm on a victim’s mental health, career, and overall sense of safety,” says Tali Anderssen, Legal & Compliance Executive at RCS. “Technology being misused gives perpetrators new tools and reach. This 16 Days, our message is clear: digital platforms must be a space for empowerment, not exploitation, and every citizen, employer, and platform has a duty to make it safe.”

The many faces of digital violence

Although it may not seem directly or physically threatening, digital violence, as an umbrella term, covers a range of technology-driven harms. Some are overt, like explicit harassment or threats. Others are more insidious, such as the non-consensual sharing of intimate or explicit images, identity theft, or manipulation through deepfake AI.

Common forms include:

• Cyberbullying and sustained online harassment
• Doxxing, which is the act of publicly providing personally identifiable information about an individual without their consent
• Sextortion and online coercion
• Image-based abuse and deepfake pornography
• Scams and impersonation targeting women

While these behaviours take place online, their impact is deeply personal and affects women and girls in their daily lives. This can range from anxiety and reputational damage to in-person stalking and physical harm.

Practical Guidance: 5 Steps to Digital Self-Defence

For Anderssen, progress starts with awareness and taking shared responsibility. “Digital safety is everyone’s business,” she says. “Employers, educators, technology and social media companies must build systems that proactively protect users, not just react when something goes wrong.”

To this end, RCS supports the UN Women’s 2025 UNiTE campaign to end digital violence against all women and girls. RCS encourages South Africans to take simple, practical steps that can have a big impact on digital safety:

1.Audit Your Privacy Settings: Secure all accounts. Review who can see your personal information, photos, and status updates on every platform.

2.Strengthen Passwords: Use strong, complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all devices, accounts and apps.

3.Guard Your Location Data: Disable geotagging and location services for social media and apps where your location is not essential. Avoid sharing sensitive details such as home addresses or travel plans

4.Gather Evidence and Report: Do not delete content. Save screenshots, block offenders, and report the abuse immediately to the relevant platform authorities and law enforcement.

5.Educate and Establish Boundaries: Talk to family members and children about online safety, boundaries, and the importance of never sharing intimate images or personal data.

The role of workplaces and tech platforms

The RCS Violence Survey suggests that the workplace remains a crucial point of intervention. Anderssen urges employers to treat digital abuse as seriously as any other form of in-person harassment. “That means including digital conduct in company policies, offering safe reporting channels, and supporting affected staff through counselling or legal assistance,” says Anderssen.

Technology and social media platforms, meanwhile, can do more to create safer environments through stronger content moderation, faster takedown processes, and improved transparency. “The responsibility shouldn’t fall on victims to clean up the mess,” Anderssen says. “Platforms and social media companies have the power to reduce harm in how products or software are designed and should prioritise user care, dignity, and justice.”

Standing together

This 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December, ending on International Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign calls on countries, companies, and citizens to collaborate in ending digital abuse and protecting women’s rights online and offline.

As Anderssen concludes, “Every woman deserves to feel safe wherever she chooses to exist. Digital platforms should be a space for empowerment, not exploitation. Each of us can help make it so.”

If you’ve been a victim of digital violence or online abuse, you can report it to SAPS on 0860 010 111. You can also report it online using the portal on Cybercrime.org.za.

Thanksgiving season is here, the unofficial holiday where close friends and family take center stage – laughter gets louder and sharing great food becomes the ultimate gift.

So, where to go for your Friendmas celebrations? Look no further than these top two picks of Jozi’s hottest spots:

Brambles restaurant is where chic meets cozy. Tucked inside the luxe Vivari Hotel & Spa, it’s the perfect hideaway for those who like their gatherings with a side of fresh, farm-to-table deliciousness. Think vibrant veggie-packed plates, sharing boards that make feasting fun and an atmosphere that says, “let’s make memories.” It’s all about good vibes, great food and even better company.

If you’re looking for some poolside fun, you’re in luck at Pecan Pool Bar at Vivari Hotel & Spa, this tranquil oasis serves up artisanal light bites like fresh salads, wholesome sandwiches and hand-stretched pizzas alongside a carefully curated drink menu. Lounging poolside with a refreshing cocktail in hand, good music playing and your besties around is the ultimate way to elevate your Friendmas chill time.

Chasing lively chatter and cocktails that hit the spot? Mezepoli has you covered. Serving mouthwatering Mediterrasian bites with a splash of buzz-worthy flair, it’s the go-to for those who love to share, sip and laugh until late. Whether it’s meze dishes or playful drinks, Mezepoli makes every meet-up feel like a celebration.

So, whether you’re in the mood for refined and relaxed, poolside cool, or vibrant and vivacious, Brambles, Pecan Pool Bar, and Mezepoli have your Friendmas plans covered. Round up your crew, bring your appetite, and get ready to toast to friends, family and festive fun!