ABOUT
Writer | Photojournalist | Student
At 19, Ernst had already sat in a meeting with the president of Namibia, acting as a youth consultant. He has worked with many local publications in Namibia and South Africa, writing on humanitarian issues and documenting multiple protests.
In April 2021 he was one of the first journalists on the scene when the historic University of Cape Town was engulfed in flames. During this event, he spent most of his time documenting those on the campus fighting and risking their lives to quell the inferno.
He has also been involved in a myriad of grass-root-level organisations and social justice movements that aim to promote equality. The most noteworthy of these is the award-winning #ShutItAllDown movement in Namibia.
Ernst's skills in public speaking, writing, photography and critical thinking make him a formidable reporter and writer passionate about reporting on those living in Extremis and on the fringes of society.
BEST OF
UCT FIRE
April 2021
Taken on the upper campus of the University of Cape Town. The photo captures a member of the Campus Protection Services looking terrified as the campus is being engulfed in flames.
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AMAZON DEVELOPMENT PROTEST
August 2021
The photo captures the hands of a Khoisan man moments before he has to deliver a speech at a vigile that protests a construction project by Amazon, scheduled to be built on sacred Khoisan land in Cape Town.
2022 FEES MUST FALL
February 2022
The student captured in the photo was holding a sign in front of the main admin building of the University of Cape Town after days of endless protests, demanding the clearance of all student debt.
EXTINCTION REBELLION CT
September 2021
During a protest hosted by the Extinction Rebellion, a group of men draped in red garments and white face paint joined the protest by doing an artistic dance and demonstration.
UCT FIRE
April 2021
The photo captures a World War(s) memorial on the upper campus of the University of Cape Town as a fire rages on behind it.
AMATHUBA4ALL
March 2023
After extensive protests at the University of Cape Town, police were summond to campus by the then acting vice-chancellor - the police proceded to brutalise many students and arrest 2. This photo captures a student arguing with one of the officers.