Sheldon Reddiar: Teacher with a Camera

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · June 28, 2025

Sheldon Reddiar with Southern Cross covers featuring his photos. His images have appeared many times within the pages of the magazine.

Readers of The Southern Cross will have seen many of his photos, and on Facebook his collection of images from high-profile Church events in Johannesburg are always eagerly anticipated. But in his main job, Sheldon Reddiar is a teacher at a Catholic school. He spoke to Daluxolo Moloantoa.

Next to the shrine of the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, Turkey, is a wall on which pilgrims affix paper or fabric bearing their written intentions to the Blessed Mother. In 2019, religious educator and avid photographer Sheldon Reddiar placed a prayer to become a father on that wall, following a prolonged struggle to conceive.

In January 2022, the prayer bore fruit with the birth of Gianna, a name that means “God is Gracious.” Last year, Sheldon revisited the shrine to express his gratitude to Our Lady for this precious blessing.

This is one example of the spiritual richness in the life of Sheldon Reddiar, a teacher at St David’s Marist College in Sandton, Johannesburg, whose photography is familiar to regular readers of The Southern Cross. His work has featured on five of our covers and has illustrated many articles. Sheldon is often seen with his camera at big events in the archdiocese of Johannesburg, and the collection of photos he posts on social media are always popular.

Born on February 14, 1991, in Johannesburg, Sheldon grew up in the southern area of Lenasia. He received his entire primary and secondary education at Catholic schools, including Marist Brothers Linmeyer. He matriculated from St Benedict’s College in Bedfordview.

While his background is solidly Catholic, he has studied in Islamic Iran and at a Lutheran institution in Germany. Sheldon holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from St Augustine College of South Africa, the Catholic university in Johannesburg, where he specialised in Church history and Christian ethics. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in education from the University of Johannesburg.

Catholic childhood

One of Sheldon’s earliest memories is of his grandmother, Lynette Reddiar, teaching him to pray the rosary. “I remember her guiding me through the prayers with such devotion and love. Those moments of prayer with her, often in the quiet of our home, instilled in me a deep sense of connection to God and the traditions of the Church.”

His mother, Katherine Rose, also shaped Sheldon’s early spiritual development. As a sacristan at his family’s home parish of St Thomas in Lenasia, she exemplified a profound dedication to the Church and its liturgical practices. Sheldon recalls accompanying her to the sacristy, observing her meticulous preparations for Mass, all done with love and reverence.

Sheldon was also active in his parish. “As a teenager, I was an altar server, which gave me an appreciation for the beauty and reverence of the liturgy. Later, I became involved in parish youth ministry, where I helped organise events, retreats, and service projects aimed at fostering faith and fellowship among young people.”

Sheldon presents a framed photo to Archbishop Buti Tlhagale.

Teacher of faith

Today Sheldon teaches religious instruction at St David’s College, and plays a significant role in fostering the Catholic ethos and spiritual life of the school. He manages the chapel, which includes coordinating Masses and liturgical events, thereby ensuring that they are meaningful and reflective of the school’s Catholic identity.

He also leads the school’s confirmation classes, helping students deepen their understanding of their faith and prepare for the sacrament. Additionally, he mentors students through service projects, emphasising the Marist value of service to others.

“In an era often marked by individualism and moral relativism, Catholic education offers a countercultural approach which is rooted in timeless Gospel values such as compassion, justice, integrity and service. It teaches students to see their education as a means to contribute meaningfully to society and to live out their faith in action,” Sheldon said.

“Catholic education also fosters a sense of community. Students aren’t just prepared for careers but also for a life of purpose and virtue. It integrates faith with reason, encouraging critical thinking while nurturing a personal relationship with God. It equips students to become not only successful professionals but also compassionate and ethical leaders who strive to make the world a better place,” he said.

Behind the camera

In addition to his responsibilities as an educator, Sheldon operates his own photography business, known as Sacred Photos. Lately, his photography has featured in the 2025 Jubilee Year liturgical calendar, produced by the Pontifical Mission Societies of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini.

“Photography for me is not just a hobby. It’s a way of seeing the world through a lens of wonder and reverence, whether I’m documenting a liturgical celebration, the quiet beauty of nature, or special milestones in people’s lives,” Sheldon said.

“My love for photography truly took shape when I began experimenting with my first camera, capturing family events, nature and everyday life. Over time, I developed my skills and began to focus on sacred and meaningful themes, which led to the creation of Sacred Photos. Through this platform, I strive to combine my passion for photography with my faith, capturing moments that reflect beauty, spirituality, and the human experience,” he said.

“Being at the service of my archdiocese, its Archdiocesan News, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, The Southern Cross, and the wider Catholic Church in South Africa, and capturing many of the sacraments celebrated in the Church, has given me great joy,” he said.

Asked which single photo has made the greatest impression, Sheldon settled for one of Archbishop Buti Tlhagale wearing a face mask during the Covid-19 pandemic. The photographer had initially rejected the image but then returned to it and shared it with the faithful. “The response was overwhelming,” Sheldon recalled. He presented a framed copy of the photo to the now retired archbishop in 2022.

As a contributor to Catholic media, Sheldon noted that “there are Catholic publications, a radio station, and online content platforms that cater to the spiritual and informational needs of Catholics across the country”.

“However, one of the main challenges that Catholic media in South Africa face is in competing with the overwhelming amount of content available in the digital age. Catholic media must find innovative ways to remain relevant and engaging,” he said.

There are opportunities to grow and adapt, he noted. “Social media, podcasts, and video platforms offer incredible potential for evangelisation and engagement, especially with the younger generation.”

Prayer at the centre

Regular prayer is an integral part of Sheldon’s daily life, also involving little Gianna. “I begin each day with personal prayer, often reflecting on Scripture or meditating on a particular intention. This quiet time with God helps me centre myself and set the tone for the day,” he said.

“My prayer life, and my daughter’s, is not only about routine but also about being mindful of God’s presence in our daily activities and seeking his guidance in all that we do. I’m enjoying teaching my little one to pray and watching her grow in the faith.”

Published in the March 2025 issue of The Southern Cross magazine