'Masterful storyteller' - Minister Kodwa on lensman Peter Magubane

Share the Article:

A freedom fighter, a masterful storyteller and lensman – that’s how Minister Kodwa described the late Peter Magubane

'Masterful storyteller' - Minister Kodwa on lensman Peter Magubane — Legendary Photographer Peter Magubane worked under the repressive apartheid government and covered the 1976 June 16 student uprisings.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa has expressed sadness at the passing of distinguished photographer and anti-apartheid activist Dr Peter Magubane.

Dr Magubane passed away on Monday, aged 91.

Recognised as one of South Africa’s most distinguished photojournalists, Dr Magubane covered the most historic moments in the liberation struggle against apartheid.

These include the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, the Rivonia Trial in 1964, and the Soweto uprising in 1976.

ALSO READ | The late iconic playwright remembered

In the apartheid years, Dr Magubane was handed with banning orders and arrested for his work, spending 586 days in solitary confinement.

The Department of Sport, 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.

Dr Peter Magubane on location documenting the BaNtwane for his book The BaNtwane Africa s Undiscovered People Picture David Meyer Gollan Supplied — Peter Magubane on location documenting the BaNtwane for his book ‘The BaNtwane: Africa’s Undiscovered People’. **Image:** *David Meyer-Gollan/Supplied*

Dr Magubane was also honoured with the National Order of Luthuli in Silver in 2017. He has received many more honours locally and internationally.

Minister Kodwa said Magubane was an excellent photojournalist and freedom fighter, who fearlessly documented apartheid’s injustices.

He further added that Magubane used his camera as a mode of protest, never backing down against an oppressive regime.

“As we celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s freedom this year, it is important to remember and celebrate the role Dr Magubane played 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.

“My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, and contemporaries. Dr Magubane’s passing is a significant loss to the country”.