Rashi Lombard

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Rashid Lombard, legendary photographer, cultural activist, and founding director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Rashid, who was 74 years old, passed away on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. He leaves an enduring legacy in South African photojournalism, arts, and culture.

Born in Gqeberha in 1951 and later moving to Cape Town, Rashid’s lens captured some of the most pivotal moments in South Africa’s tumultuous history.

His fearless and compassionate photography during the apartheid era served as a crucial visual testament to the struggle for media freedom and human dignity.

Working as a freelance photographer for numerous local and international news outlets, including Agence France-Presse (AFP), the BBC, and NBC, his images brought the reality of apartheid to a global audience. He documented the defiance, the pain, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit, including the historic release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Makhudu Sefara, Sanef chairperson, said: “Sanef lauds Rashid  not only for his courageous photojournalism but also for his immense contribution to the cultural landscape of a democratic South Africa. We honour his memory and celebrate his remarkable contribution to our nation. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

As a visionary, he co-founded espAfrika, the company that established the internationally acclaimed Cape Town International Jazz Festival. This festival not only brought world-class music to South African shores but also provided a significant platform for local artists.

This contributed to the nation’s cultural economy and international standing. His dedication to the arts was recognised with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to arts and culture and his commitment to promoting jazz music.

Lombard was described by his peers as more than a photographer; he was a storyteller, a cultural entrepreneur, and a mentor to many. His work extended beyond capturing images; he actively participated in shaping and archiving South Africa’s narrative of resistance and renaissance.

As a member of the Vukalisa artists’ collective, he promoted community-based cultural activities, and his commitment to preserving South African history was evident in his recent efforts to digitise his extensive photographic archive.

Sanef extends its deepest condolences to the Lombard family, his friends, and colleagues in the media and arts fraternity. His passing is a significant loss to South African journalism and the creative sector. His legacy of courage, artistic excellence, and unwavering commitment to social justice will continue to inspire generations of photographers, journalists, and cultural activists.

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. Sanef is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Website: www.sanef.org.za