The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has mourned the death of the iconic South African photojournalist, Peter Magubane on January 1, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.
In a statement by SANEF, Dr. Magubane whose death was confirmed by his daughter Fikile Magubane was a giant in the field of photojournalism and a multi-awards winner, who will forever be remembered as one of the courageous journalists who defiantly opposed the apartheid regime in South Africa.
His indomitable spirit, courage, and exceptional contributions to journalism according to SANEF will be sorely missed.
The condolence message highlighted Magubane’s exploits in photojournalism practice, legacies and numerous honours.
“ Throughout the oppressive years of apartheid, he faced harassment, beatings, buckshot wounds, and prolonged periods of interrogation and detention. Remarkably, he survived being shot seventeen times at a student’s funeral in Natalspruit, Gauteng Province and endured over 586 days in solitary confinement in 1969.
“ Magubane’s resistance was not only evident in his actions but also in his creative methods of capturing the truth. He ingeniously hid his camera in a hollowed-out Bible, firing with a cable release from his pocket. On other occasions, he covertly took shots with his camera concealed beneath his jacket, inside a milk carton, or half a loaf of bread, pretending to eat while documenting crucial moments.
“Internationally, Magubane showcased his photographic talent in London during the early 1960s and worked as a correspondent for Time magazine between 1978 and 1980. In 1980, he temporarily left South Africa for New York. His contributions extended to major publications such as National Geographic, Life, New York Times, Washington Post, Paris Match, and Sports Illustrated. Additionally, the United Nations benefitted from his lens through commissions from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and UNICEP.
“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.
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“Among his numerous honours, Magubane considered the South African Order of Meritorious Service Silver Class II, bestowed upon him by President Nelson Mandela, as his greatest. He received the American National Professional Photographers Association Humanistic Award for intervening to prevent violence and became the first black South African to win Press Photo of the Year in 1958.
After the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Magubane redirected his lens towards capturing the complexities of tribal and territorial conflicts and the cultural traditions of post-democratic South Africa. With nine honorary doctorates and accolades including the Cornel Cappa Lifetime Achievement Award, the Robert Capa Award, and the Martin Luther King Luthuli Award, Magubane’s impact on journalism and photography is unparalleled.
“He twice exhibited his most iconic images of Nelson Mandela, with the first held at a United Nations gathering in Poland, opened by former Polish President Lech Walesa. The second exhibition took place from 1 July to 30 September 2018 at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, where these images were gifted to the Nelson Mandela Foundation by Dr. Magubane.”
