Latest news with #BlackConsciousnessMovement
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa honours Dr. Tshenuwani Farisani: A tireless freedom fighter
President, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa, delivers the eulogy at the funeral of Reverend Dr. Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, paying tribute to a fearless freedom fighter, principled leader, and servant of the people in Venda, Limpopo. Image: ANC/X President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr Tshenuwani Farisani, hailing him as an extraordinary leader, revered cleric, and tireless anti-apartheid activist whose legacy will endure for generations. Speaking at the official funeral held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, Ramaphosa joined dignitaries, mourners, and family members in celebrating the life and impact of the revered Lutheran minister. Dr Farisani, a prominent figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, dedicated his life to justice and liberation, enduring persecution for his convictions. 'When he was released and went into exile to the United States, he could have easily put the entire experience behind him and led a quiet life,' Ramaphosa said. His unwavering commitment to freedom led him to serve in Parliament and, later, as Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in 2004. He passed away at the age of 76 following an undisclosed illness. His contribution to South Africa's democracy and spiritual life remains indelible. Additionally, Ramaphosa said Farisani campaigned against the Apartheid regime abroad. 'When Venda was proclaimed a so-called independent homeland by the Apartheid regime, he was one of those who were outspoken in his opposition. Even when this brought him into conflict with church leaders in his circuit. His activism continued into the democratic era,' he said. Meanwhile, before Ramaphosa could deliver his eulogy, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba honoured the memory of the late liberation hero, Farisani, describing him as a fatherly figure and a pillar of the community. Ramathuba reflected on his lifelong solidarity with the poor, noting that he not only served them but chose to live among them, embodying the values he preached. Farisani, she added, was a principled and steadfast member of the South African Communist Party (SACP), and his legacy as a spiritual leader and freedom fighter will continue to inspire generations. [email protected] IOL Politics
The South African
5 days ago
- General
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie pays tribute to Rashid Lombard
Home » Gayton McKenzie pays tribute to Rashid Lombard Gayton McKenzie has described the late Rashid Lombard as a storyteller who was unafraid to document South African history. Image: UWC Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has described the late Rashid Lombard as a storyteller who was unafraid to document South African acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. 'Rashid Lombard was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller and freedom fighter who used his camera as a weapon for justice. He captured truth when others looked away, showing the world our pain, pride, struggle, and strength. Rashid gave us history and memories that speak louder than words. Today, we honour a true artist who told our story with heart, honesty, and deep respect. South Africa has lost a giant,' the Minister said in his tribute to Lombard. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country had lost a cultural icon who not only documented the history of the struggle for freedom but made history in his own right. Rashid Lombard who was laid to rest according to Muslim rites on Thursday morning, was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha. He relocated with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later pursued a career in industrial photography, beginning his professional path at the construction firm Murray & Roberts.'As a young boy in the Eastern Cape, he lived in a community where people of all races coexisted. Black, White, Coloured, Indian and Chinese families shared neighbourhoods, exchanged stories and formed bonds that apartheid later sought to destroy. It was a glimpse of what a united South Africa could be.'The arrival of apartheid brought violence and forced removals. Families were relocated based solely on the colour of their skin, and many of Lombard's childhood friends disappeared, never to be seen again. 'This trauma deeply affected him and heightened his awareness of injustice. These early experiences, along with the Black Consciousness Movement, inspired his lifelong commitment to justice and equality,' the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said. He chose to fight not with weapons but with his camera. During South Africa's struggle for liberation, he worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. His lens witnessed history, capturing the pain, courage and hope of a people longing for freedom. He documented key moments such as the growing democracy movement in the 1980s, Nelson Mandela's release in 1990, and the first democratic election in 1994. His images reached global audiences through major outlets like Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC, offering the world a powerful view of South Africa's journey. 'As democracy took hold, Rashid Lombard turned his energy to jazz, another lifelong passion. He held leadership roles at Fine Music Radio and P4 Smooth Jazz Radio before founding espAfrika in 1997. Through this company, he launched the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000, directing it until 2014. 'The festival grew into one of Africa's largest and most respected cultural events, showcasing local talent alongside international stars and putting Cape Town firmly on the global jazz map.'Even after retiring, he remained committed to preserving South Africa's cultural heritage. He undertook the important task of digitising his extensive photographic archive, a project begun by his late wife, Colleen. Working with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, he ensured the collection would be accessible as a national treasure. His family continues this vital work today,' the Ministry 2010, he published 'Jazz Rocks', a photographic tribute curated by the late George Hallett. The book captures the spirit, energy and connection of jazz through Rashid's distinctive lens. In 2014, Rashid Lombard was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. This prestigious award recognised his exceptional impact on the arts, cultural preservation and the global celebration of South African jazz. Post your condolences for Rashid Lombard below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rashid Lombard Tribute: A cultural giant, comrade, and dear friend
Carl Niehaus pays tribute to acclaimed activist and photojournalist Rashid Lombard who passed away this week. Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers With a heavy heart, I mourn Rashid Lombard, a titan of South African culture, a revolutionary artist, and my cherished friend, who left us on June 4, 2025, at the age of 74. His death is a profound loss, not only to me personally but to the nation, the arts community, and all who knew his boundless humanity. I extend my deepest condolences to Rashid's beloved wife, Colleen, his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, his numerous grandchildren, his countless friends, colleagues in the arts, and fellow comrades across South Africa, particularly in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Rashid was a mensch—a true human being whose warmth, humour, and unwavering commitment to justice illuminated every space he entered. Our friendship, spanning decades, was a cornerstone of my life, forged in the struggle against apartheid and deepened through shared dreams of a liberated South Africa. Born in 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, and later relocating to Cape Town in 1962, Rashid's life was shaped by the brutal realities of apartheid. The forced removals under the Group Areas Act, which shattered his diverse community, ignited a political consciousness that defined his work. Influenced by the Black Consciousness Movement, he wielded his camera as a weapon, capturing the pain, resilience, and hope of oppressed communities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ His archive of over 500,000 photographs, now housed at the University of the Western Cape, stands as a testament to his fearless dedication to truth. From the unrest of the 1980s to Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 and South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, Rashid's images, published globally through outlets like AFP, BBC, and NBC, exposed apartheid's inhumanity and amplified the call for freedom. His work, featured in exhibitions across Southern Africa and in the seminal book South Africa: The Cordoned Heart (1985), documented the political mobilisation against oppression. As a member of the Vukalisa artists' collective, he championed community-based cultural activities, ensuring art was a tool for resistance and enlightenment. His 2010 book Jazz Rocks immortalised the spirit of jazz and its role in the anti-apartheid struggle, reflecting his deep connection with musicians who became his 'friends and family.' Our personal bond grew strongest in the late 1990s when I served as South Africa's ambassador to the Netherlands. Together, we poured our hearts into bringing the North Sea Jazz Festival from The Hague to Cape Town, a vision that evolved into the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) under Rashid's extraordinary leadership. Working closely with him, I witnessed his genius as a music entrepreneur and his fierce commitment to uplifting communities through art. Launched in 2000, the CTIJF became Africa's largest jazz event, blending South African and international talent while prioritising inclusivity. Rashid's vision ensured the festival empowered disadvantaged communities through training programs in music and dance, fostering a legacy of cultural integration and economic upliftment. Those moments of collaboration were filled with his laughter and warmth, reminding me always of the power of human connection. I am immensely grateful for Rashid's contributions to photography and art entrepreneurship. Initially trained as an architectural draughtsman, he transitioned into industrial photography before becoming a renowned news and documentary photographer. His images, published in progressive outlets like Grassroots and South, chronicled the fight for human dignity. The CTIJF, established through his founding of espAfrika in 1997, transformed Cape Town into a global jazz capital, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural resistance. Rashid's progressive political engagement was equally inspiring. His photography was activism, bearing witness to protests, political figures, and everyday life under apartheid. His establishment of the CTIJF was a deliberate act of defiance, creating spaces where South Africans could celebrate their shared humanity. His work earned him prestigious accolades, including the Order of the Disa for meritorious service to the Western Cape, the SABC/Southern African Music Rights Organisation Jazz Achievement Award for his lifelong contribution to the South African music industry, and, in 2014, the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, recognising his role in placing South Africa on the global cultural stage. Rashid's loss is a wound that cuts to the core. His kindness, his stories, his belief in justice and beauty made every moment with him a gift. Whether we were strategizing over the festival or sharing quiet conversations, his presence was a reminder of what it means to live with purpose and love. His passing leaves an ache I know is shared by Cape Town, the Western Cape, and all of South Africa, where his legacy endures in every note played at the CTIJF and every image that tells our story. To honour Rashid's memory fully, I reflect on the countless lives he touched. His ability to connect with people—musicians, activists, ordinary South Africans—was unparalleled. I recall late-night discussions about jazz as a form of resistance, his eyes alight with passion as he spoke of artists like Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. His home was a haven for creatives, a place where ideas flourished, and his generosity knew no bounds. He mentored young photographers and musicians, sharing his knowledge with a humility that inspired all who knew him.
The Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Photographer, cultural activist and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard dies
Acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard died in Cape Town on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74. Born on April 10 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. 'Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts,' said family spokesperson Benny Gool. In 1970, Lombard married Colleen Rayson and the couple had three children. 'As a child in the Eastern Cape, Rashid experienced a diverse, harmonious community — black, white, Coloured, Indian and Chinese — until the brutal machinery of apartheid forcibly removed his friends to racially segregated areas, never to be seen or heard of again.' His political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement. Lombard went on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle. 'His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including AFP, the BBC and NBC.' Over the course of his career, he documented pivotal moments in South Africa's journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Gool said with democracy came the opportunity for Lombard to fully embrace his other great passion, jazz. He served as station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio. In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, the events management company behind one of his most enduring legacies: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014. After stepping away from the festival, Lombard took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife. He later partnered with the National Archives and the department of sport, arts and culture to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource. Lombard's extraordinary archive — more than 500,000 film negatives, video and audio recordings — is now preserved at the University of the Western Cape. In 2010, Lombard published Jazz Rocks , edited by the late George Hallett. The book is a journey looking through the eye of Lombard's camera, capturing music, people and places that defined his life and work across the globe. He was honoured with numerous awards for both his contributions to news photography and his impact on music and tourism. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver 'for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world'. In 1986, legendary exiled photographer Ernest Cole, who had not held a camera for over a decade, borrowed Lombard's and turned the lens on him in a gesture of deep respect and recognition, Gool said. Asked in a later interview about his legacy, Lombard responded: 'No matter who you are — religion, race, male, female — you can achieve your dreams. I'm a true testament to that.' He is survived by his lifelong-partner Colleen Lombard, his sister Fazoe Sydow, his children and five grandchildren. Lombard will be buried according to Muslim rites. The Good Party extended its condolences to Lombard's family and said his contributions helped shape the soul of the nation. 'As the visionary behind the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, he brought global attention to Cape Town while ensuring that the event remained rooted in principles of inclusivity, access and development,' party leader Patricia de Lille said. She said during her time as Cape Town mayor, she had the privilege of working alongside Lombard. 'The jazz festival stood out not just as a world-class musical showcase but as an all-inclusive event that actively worked to build a more inclusive city, one that welcomed all, regardless of colour or creed,' De Lille said. TimesLIVE
SowetanLIVE
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Photographer, cultural activist and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard dies
Acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard died in Cape Town on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74. Born on April 10 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. 'Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts,' said family spokesperson Benny Gool. In 1970, Lombard married Colleen Rayson and the couple had three children. 'As a child in the Eastern Cape, Rashid experienced a diverse, harmonious community — black, white, Coloured, Indian and Chinese — until the brutal machinery of apartheid forcibly removed his friends to racially segregated areas, never to be seen or heard of again.' His political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement. Lombard went on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle. 'His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including AFP, the BBC and NBC.' Over the course of his career, he documented pivotal moments in South Africa's journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Gool said with democracy came the opportunity for Lombard to fully embrace his other great passion, jazz. He served as station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio. In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, the events management company behind one of his most enduring legacies: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014. After stepping away from the festival, Lombard took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife. He later partnered with the National Archives and the department of sport, arts and culture to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource. Lombard's extraordinary archive — more than 500,000 film negatives, video and audio recordings — is now preserved at the University of the Western Cape. In 2010, Lombard published Jazz Rocks, edited by the late George Hallett. The book is a journey looking through the eye of Lombard's camera, capturing music, people and places that defined his life and work across the globe. He was honoured with numerous awards for both his contributions to news photography and his impact on music and tourism. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver 'for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world'. In 1986, legendary exiled photographer Ernest Cole, who had not held a camera for over a decade, borrowed Lombard's and turned the lens on him in a gesture of deep respect and recognition, Gool said. Asked in a later interview about his legacy, Lombard responded: 'No matter who you are — religion, race, male, female — you can achieve your dreams. I'm a true testament to that.' He is survived by his lifelong-partner Colleen Lombard, his sister Fazoe Sydow, his children and five grandchildren. Lombard will be buried according to Muslim rites. The Good Party extended its condolences to Lombard's family and said his contributions helped shape the soul of the nation. 'As the visionary behind the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, he brought global attention to Cape Town while ensuring that the event remained rooted in principles of inclusivity, access and development,' party leader Patricia de Lille said. She said during her time as Cape Town mayor, she had the privilege of working alongside Lombard. 'The jazz festival stood out not just as a world-class musical showcase but as an all-inclusive event that actively worked to build a more inclusive city, one that welcomed all, regardless of colour or creed,' De Lille said. TimesLIVE
