South Africans from all walks of life picked up their cameras to celebrate the country's rich biodiversity, and the results have been nothing short of breath-taking, Cape town Etc reports.
WWF South Africa has announced the winners of its nationwide photo competition, Our Country, Through Your Lens, which drew more than 1 430 entries and 1 530 public votes. The initiative formed part of WWF's Believe in Better campaign, a movement aimed at recognising what's worth protecting in South Africa's natural world.
Running from 12 May to 27 June 2025, the competition invited photographers to submit powerful images showcasing the places, people, and wildlife that make South Africa one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. From crashing waves and secretive leopards to quiet human moments in wild spaces, the submissions painted a vivid portrait of the country's natural beauty.
The top honour went to Freda Jansen from Hoedspruit, whose photograph of two giraffe bulls facing off in a moment of quiet dominance inside Kruger National Park stole the judges hearts. Captured on a crisp March morning, the photo was praised for its raw beauty and the delicate balance it portrayed between power and grace.
Jansen's winning image earned her a luxury two-night photo safari for two at the Madwaleni River Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal's Babanango Game Reserve, complete with guided game drives by a professional wildlife photographer.