Waterval, vermoedelijk in Transvaal, Zuid-Afrika 1967 - 1971

Willem Jacob van den Berg made this photograph, 'Waterval, vermoedelijk in Transvaal, Zuid-Afrika’, seemingly without a specific date. This image of a waterfall in the Transvaal region of South Africa offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, and possibly also the institutions of tourism and nature preservation as they developed in the region. The black and white photo creates meaning through its composition, framing the natural scene in a way that invites contemplation of the land. South Africa's geography, with its diverse landscapes, has long been a point of both pride and contestation, especially during periods of colonial expansion and the later struggle against apartheid. Understanding the social and institutional history behind such images requires us to consider who had access to cameras and the power to shape narratives about the land. Tourist board archives, historical societies, and private collections can all provide further insights into the photograph’s role.