The two winners in the GIC Africa's lucky draw for two iPod 8GB Nanos are Nonceba Lushaba (of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa) and Bukhwele Siyabonga (from the Johannesburg area). The GIC would like to thank the hundreds of entrants who participated by casting their vote in the Climate Change Photography contest. Read quotes about the contest from the many who voted!

Nonceba Lushaba lives in Eshowe, in the South African Province of KwaZulu Natal. She was very impressed with the photography contest and wrote,
Enlarge image Nonceba Lushaba, one of two winners of the GIC Africa's iPod Nano lucky draw (© N. Lushaba) "I think that the Climate Change Photography Competition was a wonderful platform for young people to really reflect on photography not just for aesthetics but for social commentary. The pictures spoke to the challenges we face as a country in mitigating the effects of climate change; the hope that in some areas work is being done to create awareness and they also depicted the beauty of our land...I hope the photographers were inspired and realise that their pictures have the potential to give the environment a global voice."

Bukhwele Siyabonga resides in Kliptown, Johannesburg. He also responded to the social commentary aspect of the photos and noted in his remarks while voting online that “people are using buckets to save water.”

Enlarge image Photo 5 (© Ngimiselo Masakona) To participate in the contest, visitors to the GIC Africa's website simply had to vote in the online photo contest. There was a small optional field for comments and many people took advantage of that opportunity to express their love of a photo or the statement it made. Here are a few samples of the remarks received:

“Wow! What a beautiful sight...We need to stand together to sustain our environment so that it remains as beautiful as this sight...”(speaking of winning photo, on right)

“Powerful photo exhibit - very cool!”

“The competition is more educative, informative and also provides some tips I wasn't aware of.”

Enlarge image Photo 4 (© Jabu Dhlamini) “Land degradation is going to become a serious problem if the citizens and nation are not managing it sustainably. For example picture no 4, to me, indicates soil crusting and cracking caused by poor management of land.”

“Green energy (is) promoted very well.”

“Brilliant!!!!!!!”

“A picture of innocence and danger; if we don't look after them and make their environment safe, we will lose them. It's all up to us!”

“Great impressions!”

“Pictures are a good way of teaching communities about climate change. We can only succeed in the war against climate change if people have knowledge.  Many food security projects are failing because of lack of water and if we can save some water, then we can be reduce the effects of climate change and hence be a food secure country.”

Enlarge image Photo 16 (© Clarah Nemavhidi) “This photo makes me realise that climate change is here and already striking our land. The most vulnerable places are rural areas where people rely on rivers and rain water.”

“This particular picture lets me know that I don't have to do big things to make a difference.....every little thing counts in terms of helping with climate change reduction.”