LEGENDARY photographer and anti-apartheid activist Dr Peter Magubane (91) has passed away.
He died at his home on Monday, 1 January, just a few weeks before his birthday. He would have turned 92 years on 18 January.
Magubane was one of Mzansi's most respected and award-winning photojournalist.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Magubane.
"As we celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s freedom this year, it is important to remember and celebrate Dr Magubane's role in our freedom. South Africa is a free and democratic country today because of the role played by Dr Magubane and many others who fought for our freedom. This legacy must live on,” said Kodwa.
“My thoughts and prayers go to Dr Magubane’s family, friends, and contemporaries. Dr Magubane’s passing is a significant loss to the country."
ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for Mbongeni Ngema
In a statement, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said it is with deep sorrow that they've learnt of the passing of the iconic South African photojournalist, Magubane.
"Magubane peacefully departed from this world at his home, surrounded by his family - as confirmed by his daughter Fikile Magubane.
"Dr Peter Magubane, a giant in the field of photojournalism and a multi-award winner, will forever be remembered as one of the courageous journalists who defiantly opposed the apartheid regime in South Africa. Throughout the oppressive years of apartheid, he faced harassment, beatings, buckshot wounds, and prolonged periods of interrogation and detention.
"Remarkably, he survived being shot 17 times at a student's funeral in Natalspruit in Ekurhuleni and endured over 586 days in solitary confinement in 1969. Magubane's legacy includes documenting the lives of influential figures such as Nelson Mandela. His association with Mandela and Winnie Mandela dates back to the 1950s, both as friends and in his professional capacity as a photographer. Magubane served as Madiba's official photographer from his release until his early years in the Presidency. Among his numerous honors, Magubane considered the South African Order of Meritorious Service Silver Class II, bestowed upon him by President Nelson Mandela, as his greatest.
"Dr Peter Magubane's indomitable spirit, courage, and exceptional contributions to journalism will be sorely missed. Sanef extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire media fraternity during this time of profound loss," said Sanef in a statement.
His work also includes the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, the Rivonia Trial in 1964, and the Soweto uprising in 1976.
In the apartheid years, Dr Magubane was handed banning orders and arrested for his work, spending 586 days in solitary confinement.
The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture recently recognised Dr Magubane in the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series, which gives flowers to South Africa’s creative and cultural sector legends while they can still smell them.
He was also honoured with the National Order of Luthuli in Silver in 2017.
