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Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Daily Maverick
Rashid Lombard — legendary photographer and jazz pioneer who forged greatness in the struggle
Rashid Lombard, who died at his Cape Town home this week and was buried according to Muslim rites on Thursday, was a legend as a photographer and pioneer of the Cape Town Jazz Festival. Dennis Cruywagen remembers him. Thirty-six years ago, in August 1989, in Gugulethu township, near Cape Town, I watched the highest-ranking Anglican clergyman in South Africa deliberately being teargassed as he resolutely tried to protect young, defenceless pupils from the fury of the riot police. That priest was the leader of the Anglican Church in southern Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. On that day, he led at least 500 pupils who had resolved to show their support for the national defiance campaign launched by the mass democratic movement. The arrival of police derailed their plans. They fled into Holy Cross Catholic Church. When the Arch, as Tutu preferred to be called, arrived, he negotiated what he thought was a safe passage for the young people with the men in camouflage uniforms. The rector of the University of the Western Cape, Professor Jakes Gerwel, was with him. I was there as a reporter for the Cape Argus newspaper. Also, there was the slim, renowned and fearless photographer Rashid Lombard. As usual his black hair was tied in a ponytail. A black beret sat on his head. Black as his hair was his moustache. We watched teargas being fired at the Arch, Professor Gerwel and the teenagers. Young people scattered. On that winter's day in Gugulethu, while many were coughing and trying to wipe away tears, which are wont to flow in a teargas attack, Rashid stood firm. He calmly raised his camera and started taking photographs that would become world famous. He captured on film images of the Arch walking through a cloud of teargas. They were stunning images. He offered his pictures to my newspaper. They were declined because of the State of Emergency press restrictions. The Cape Times used them the next morning. Gutsy deputy editor Deon du Plessis was infuriated that our newspaper had turned down Rashid's pictures. Rashid allowed the paper to use them. They were subsequently splashed across the front page. His evocative pictures moved Cape Town's English-language newspapers to disregard press restrictions. I recalled this event on Wednesday when I was informed that Rashid had passed away at the age of 74. And as the recollections came gushing, I recalled his gentle, kind eyes, visionary and pioneering spirit, and his great love for his wife, Colleen, their children and grandchildren. Colleen, whom he married in 1970, was held as a detainee from 14 August 1987 until 29 January 1988. Not by choice, he became a single parent of their three children, Yana, Chevan and Shadley, for a while, as his ANC courier wife was held incommunicado. I remembered how, between 1985 and 1990, we were part of a group of news people who were reporting on the struggle. It was a job that consumed our lives and forged strong bonds. In this group were news legends such as Jimi Matthews, Adil Bradlow, Benni Gool, Ayesha Ismail, Sahm Venter, Willie de Klerk, Obed Zilwa, Eric Miller, Guy Tillim, Mike Hutchings, Azziz Tassiem, John Rubython and many others. It takes the death of a former colleague to bring back their names and the times in which we lived and reported on. To me there was a common belief that held us together: we wanted to tell the story of the struggle, the bravery of people – many of them so very young – yet not enough to stop state-sanctioned violence gleefully delivered by cruel men. We were the witnesses; Rashid's camera faithfully recording this infamous history. A lover of jazz who went on to pioneer the Cape Town Jazz Festival in post-apartheid South Africa, Rashid and I teamed up for an interview with uMkhonto weSizwe chief of staff Chris Hani. After the unbanning of the ANC, the charismatic leader and other exiles returned home. On his first open visit to Cape Town, a senior ANC member called me. I was informed that Comrade Chris would be meeting senior newspaper executives at the University of the Western Cape. I was not on the guest list. Miffed, I called Buyiswa Jack, a former detainee incarcerated under section 29 of the notorious Internal Security Act, which has mercifully been repealed, to apprise her of the situation. She contacted her brother, Pro Jack, who was assassinated years later, his killers never apprehended. I was sitting in the Argus newsroom when I was called, instructed to bring only Rashid along, and meet Pro in front of the Langa Post Office. The MK legend, Hani, had insisted that Rashid be the photographer, even if he was not an Argus staffer! Such was his reputation. We spent more than an hour interviewing Hani. The next day the Cape Argus had a poster that alerted readers to an exclusive interview with Hani. Rashid's pictures were used. Reminiscing about past stories and scoops, I went to my bookshelf and retrieved a slim publication, To the Moon and Back: A Detention Memoir. Years ago, I bought the book with the purple-blue cover at Clarke's Bookshop, an institution on Cape Town's Long Street. The author is Colleen Lombard, Rashid's widow, and fellow jazz aficionado. She was arrested with her friend and comrade, the late Zurayah Abass, as they tried to smuggle Nicklo Pedro (also late) and Yasmina Pandy across the border. During her detention she came close to taking her own life, while at home Rashid was taking care of their three children. Those were very hard years. The book, which was a project that Rashid strongly believed in and supported, was first published in 2021. Colleen wrote it 10 years after her incarceration and subsequent court appearance as an accused in what became known as the Rainbow Trial, which started in the Supreme Court in February 1989, a year before Nelson Mandela was freed from jail. The Western Cape's last so-called terrorism trial, it spluttered on until March 1991 when all charges were withdrawn against the accused. In 2014, the national government recognised Rashid's enormous contribution to the reopening of the rich well of jazz music in South Africa and awarded him the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to jazz music. That was a richly deserved honour. Rest well, Rashid. You were a legend. You were on first-name terms with great men and women who recognised your greatness, yet you never lost the common touch and your humility. DM
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Health Net Providing Special Assistance to Members and Providers Affected by Victoria Island Levee Incident in San Joaquin County, California
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Gov. Newsom's declaration of a State of Emergency in San Joaquin County, Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is taking immediate action to support those affected by the Victoria Island Incident. The company's priority is ensuring both its members and healthcare providers have the resources they need during this critical time. Member Prescription Information During a declared State of Emergency, impacted members have two options to secure an emergency supply of their medications: Members can fill their prescription at the original pharmacy if it is open. If the original pharmacy is not open, members can call Health Net at 1-800-400-8987. We will suspend refill limitations so they can get their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy. Coping Support for Members Members can call Health Net Behavioral Health Services for crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-400-8987 (TTY: 711). This includes: Support to help them deal with grief, stress or trauma Referrals to mental health counselors, local services and telephone consultations Members: Video Medical Appointments If members cannot reach their primary care provider during a declared State of Emergency, Health Net offers telehealth services at no cost. Members can find appointment instructions in two places: On the back of their Health Net ID card On after registering and signing in Access to Social Services To connect with local community resources, members can call 2-1-1 or visit for help with: Emergency shelter, food and transportation Social services and financial assistance Legal guidance from verified agencies Information for Healthcare Providers During a declared State of Emergency, doctors and nurse practitioners may call Health Net at 1-800-641-7761 for assistance. To support these participating providers in affected areas, Health Net will: Extend grace periods for notifications, beginning on the admission date, for acute services, post-acute care, durable medical equipment (DME), medical supplies and home health care services Waive prior authorization – however, our notification requirement will remain in effect despite relaxed deadlines In addition, Health Net will: Authorize out-of-network services if a contracting provider or facility becomes unavailable Grant post-admission notification approvals for impacted facilities. Accept updated clinical documentation for continued-stay reviews. Authorize the replacement of medical equipment or supplies. Suspend prescription refill limitations for impacted enrollees Ongoing Support & Updates As the situation evolves, Health Net may take further action to support members and providers. For the latest updates, visit About Health Net Founded in California more than 45 years ago, Health Net, a company of Centene Corporation, believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With more than 117,000 of our network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net, LLC and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Health Net and Centene employ more than 5,700 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Health Net
IOL News
4 days ago
- Science
- IOL News
Prof Priscilla Baker: a trailblazer in science and the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO laureate
Prof Priscilla Baker's groundbreaking career has earned her the top global recognition as the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate, for Africa and the Arab States. Image: UWC University of the Western Cape Analytical Chemistry Prof Priscilla Baker's groundbreaking career has earned her the top global recognition as the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate, for Africa and the Arab States. In a world where healthcare disparities persist and women remain underrepresented in science, Prof Baker is breaking barriers with her pioneering research in wearable electrochemical sensors while advocating for greater inclusivity in STEM fields. Growing up in Bellville South, Prof Baker said that, until recently, she would still go back to her old high school to motivate learners. Like many high schoolers in the mid-1980s, under PW Botha's State of Emergency, her schooling was also disrupted as she started matric in 1986. However, Prof Baker's path to scientific leadership was fraught with obstacles. In 1990, she became the first woman of colour to graduate with a BSc in Physical Oceanography from the University of Cape Town. Still, systemic discrimination barred her from pursuing honours in the field. 'The practical component of oceanography required long periods at sea, but the boats weren't equipped for women, and the crew were not ready to accept a person of colour as a professional," she recalled. Undeterred, she shifted to analytical chemistry, excelling under the mentorship of Prof Andrew Crouch and later earning her PhD in Chemistry from Stellenbosch University. This experience profoundly shaped her commitment to mentorship. "By actively sharing my journey, I've become a tangible example for female students to explore careers based on capability, not stereotypes," she said. Prof Baker with her Gold Medal prize from the South African Chemical Institute (1996). Prof Baker, the co-director of the SensorLab research group at UWC with Prof Emmanuel Iwuoha, is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge electrochemical sensors capable of detecting health biomarkers and environmental contaminants. These devices could revolutionise healthcare, particularly in underserved regions like rural Africa, by enabling early detection and continuous monitoring of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. "Most current medical interventions are designed for ex post facto implementation," Prof Baker explained. "The major shortcoming of modern medicine lies in the absence of continuous monitoring tools to inform medical practitioners of the early onset and progression of a disease." With recent investment from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to establish an Electrochemical Sensors Node at UWC's NanoMicro Manufacturing Facility (NMMF), Prof Baker's team is now positioned to print and test these sensors on flexible substrates under real-life conditions. "We are bridging a crucial gap in healthcare knowledge and implementation," she explained. Prof Baker's work spans health, energy, and environmental sectors, with international collaborations accelerating innovation. A long-standing partnership with CY Paris University has led to joint research, student exchanges, and co-authored publications. "Collaborative research sharpens our skills and pushes us to think beyond our comfort zones." One of her most exciting projects, a biosensor for detecting uric acid in gout patients, has evolved into a potential global solution. Initially addressing gout prevalence in rural South Africa, the project now explores embedding sensors in shoe insoles for continuous biomarker monitoring, with partnerships forming between medical institutions and tech developers. While Prof Baker acknowledged progress for women in electrochemistry, she highlights systemic challenges. "Women often remain primary caregivers, facing career interruptions due to maternity leave and family demands - factors rarely accounted for in promotions," she noted. Her advice to institutions? "Surround yourself with leaders who embody excellence, kindness and fairness. We must create spaces where all can thrive." As Prof Baker continues to innovate in sensor technology and advocate for inclusivity, her work stands as a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the transformative power of science.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kent Co. Commissioner launches town hall series after dismissal of high-profile police cases
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack is launching a following the dismissal of charges in two high-profile police cases and the upcoming closure of a local Job Corps center. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter The first meeting in the 'State of Emergency' series begins at 6 p.m. Monday at the Wealthy Theater. Womack says the event will address public reaction to recent legal decisions involving former officers and , as well as broader concerns around police reform and community rights. Schurr will not be retried in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya. Charges against Keely were dismissed after he struck and killed Samuel Sterling with an unmarked cruiser. Womack is calling for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to appeal the Keely ruling. Panelists for tonight's event include attorneys Ben Crump and Ven Johnson, local civil rights leaders, NAACP representatives, and family members of Lyoya and Riley Doggett. 'Abomination of justice': Community leaders react to Keely case dismissal 'This decision sends a clear message to Michigan citizens: that police can act as judge, jury and executioner in our neighborhood,' . 'Fortunately, not all officers are evil. While I advocate for citizens to follow police commands, I strongly believe it is wrong to give police the power to kill unarmed individuals without consequence. Our constitution guarantees protection from cruel or unusual punishment.' The town hall will also address the phased closure of the Job Corps center on Hall Street, set to end operations this month. Dates and locations for the remaining three meetings have not been announced. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Morrisey declares State of Emergency in Mineral County amid severe flooding
KEYSER, (WBOY) — After severe flooding struck parts of Maryland and West Virginia's eastern panhandle Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency in Mineral County. According to a release Tuesday night, the State of Emergency mobilizes personnel and resources to respond to Mineral County, it also allocates certain administrative powers to GE McCabe, the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD). The State of Emergency is scheduled to be in effect for 30 days unless terminated early. SEE IT: Flooding strikes Western Maryland, Eastern Panhandle Earlier in the day, Gov. Morrisey ordered the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate evacuations in Mineral County and 'fulfill any ongoing needs' that arise. Mineral County Emergency Management and 911 said in a social media post Tuesday night that Keyser received about 6.25 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. Officials requested that no organized donation drives be created until they know the extent of the damage and what is needed. An updated list of supplies will be provided here. The governor and WVEMD have asked all West Virginians to remain attentive to local weather conditions and follow any instructions relayed to them by emergency officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
