Renowned South African photographer Peter Magubane, known for fearlessly documenting 40 years of apartheid and capturing its violence and upheaval, has passed away at the age of 91.
Peter Magubane, a legendary photojournalist, played a crucial role in shedding light on the brutality of South Africa’s apartheid era. His impactful work extended to documenting Nelson Mandela’s initial years of freedom after his release from prison.
News of Magubane’s passing was announced on Monday by the South African National Editors’ Forum, having received the information from his family. The South African government acknowledged Magubane as a “legendary photojournalist,” emphasising his role in covering historic moments during the liberation struggles against apartheid.
Over four decades, Magubane’s lens captured pivotal events, including the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, the 1964 trial of Mandela and others, and the significant Soweto uprising in 1976. His award-winning photographs from the Soweto protests, where black students rallied against the compulsory use of the Afrikaans language in schools, drew international attention to the atrocities, marking a turning point in the fight against apartheid.
Despite facing persecution from the apartheid regime, Peter Magubane persisted, refusing to be silenced. He endured imprisonment, solitary confinement, and physical abuse, with his commitment to documenting the harsh realities of apartheid unwavering.
His decision not to go into exile, despite being a marked individual, demonstrated his resolve to combat apartheid through his camera. Magubane’s lens not only captured the brutality of the struggle but also depicted everyday life under apartheid, creating poignant images that resonated globally.
One of his most powerful photographs, taken in 1956, showcased a black maid sitting on a bench designated for whites only, gently caressing a white child—a striking commentary on the absurdity of racial segregation.
Magubane’s illustrious career included work with notable publications such as Drum, Rand Daily Mail, Time magazine, and Sports Illustrated, earning him international acclaim. His pivotal role continued as he became the official photographer for Nelson Mandela after the leader’s release in 1990, capturing historic moments until Mandela was elected the first black president of South Africa in 1994.
Reflecting on his favourite photograph of Mandela dancing at his 72nd birthday party, Magubane remarked on the joy of freedom radiating from Mandela’s eyes—a testament to the power of his lens in capturing not just the struggles but also the triumphs of his nation’s history.