President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to Peter Magubane, the renowned artist-photographer who died on Monday after telling stories of struggling black South Africans through his photographic lens skills for decades.
Ramaphosa said: “I have learned with great sadness of the passing of veteran photographer and activist Peter Magubane at the age of 91.”
Magubane gained prominence after joining Drum magazine in 1950s while covering the brutality of white people against blacks during the apartheid regime.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said Magubane was a freedom fighter who was brave and told South African stories through his photographic skills.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who visited his home along with Kodwa said: “Peter Magubane documented the raw images of the horrific Sharpeville Massacre and other crimes committed by the apartheid regime, which helped to change public sentiment against the system throughout the world.
“Dr Magubane was a gift to South Africa; with his camera lenses, he shaped and changed South Africa’s destiny. He was a national treasure who will be remembered for his contribution to the field of photography and respected for his courage in the face of oppression.”
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