Veteran photographer Sam Nzima dies
It is understood the photojournalist died in a Mbombela hospital on Saturday night.
The veteran photographer, Sam Nzima, has died at the age of 83.
He reportedly passed on in a Mbombela hospital in Mpumalanga on Saturday night.
Nzima is best known for his picture of a wounded Hector Pieterson being carried to safety during the Soweto uprisings in June 1976.
While his family has not been reached for comment, tributes have started pouring in.
The Congress of the People (COPE) described his death as a great loss for South Africa.
"Mr Nzima, through his camera lens, played a very crucial role in recording the history and the event that lead to the present democratic South Africa," COPE's National Chairperson Pakes Dikgetsi told Jacaranda FM News.
Dikgetsi says the image of Pieterson, taken on 16 June 1976, is a "proper account and reflection of what happened in 1976".
Tributes have also started streaming in on social media.
#SamNzima The last click of liberation struggle cameraman is no more . Rest in Powerful peace and rise in glory... pic.twitter.com/EEAG48iW8T
— Godrich Gardee (@GardeeGodrich) May 12, 2018
We join the nation in mourning the passing of veteran photographer #SamNzima. With his camera, he exposed the brutality of the apartheid regime including the image of Hector Peterson. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
— ANCLimpopo (@ANCLimpopo) May 12, 2018
May his soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/Sbj4P4WL8R
#SamNzima
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) May 13, 2018
Some of us were not there when you took this iconic picture.
We will however be constantly reminded of your work and contributions to storytelling.
Robala ka kagiso Ntate Nzima pic.twitter.com/8W1LB00Uuf