By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rashid Lombard, an acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter, passed away today at the age of 74, surrounded by his family.
Born in Gqeberha in 1951 and raised in Cape Town, Lombard began his career as an industrial photographer before turning his lens to South Africa’s political turmoil during the apartheid era.
His images captured key moments in the country’s history, including Nelson Mandela’s release and the first democratic elections, and were featured by global media outlets such as the BBC and Agence France-Presse.
A passionate supporter of jazz, Lombard founded the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000 through his events company espAfrika, serving as its director until 2014. He also held roles at Fine Music Radio and P4 Smooth Jazz Radio.
In later years, he focused on preserving his vast archive of images, partnering with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to make them publicly accessible. His 2010 photo book Jazz Rocks, edited by George Hallett, celebrated the global jazz scene through his eyes.
Lombard received the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014 for his contribution to arts and culture.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the nation in mourning the loss of legendary cultural activist, photographer and jazz visionary Lombard.
Ramaphosa has lauded Lombard for his dedication to promoting jazz that put South Africa on the map.
“Rashid Lombard’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity.”
Lombard survived by his wife Colleen, their children and grandchildren. He will be buried according to Muslim rites.