Freedom Park mourns the demise of Dr Peter Magubane. He died at the age of 91, a fearless photographer who captured the violence and atrocities of South Africa’s apartheid era. The nation has lost one of the greatest stalwarts and we were so honoured to have had him in our midst as one of the few remaining fathers of our liberation. We will remember how he continued to serve as the quintessence of wisdom, integrity, morality, and selflessness. Freedom Park pays tribute to this gentle and legendary struggle hero who captured the brutality of apartheid though lens of his camera.
Magubane worked under apartheid government and covered the 1976 June 16 student uprisings. This earned him worldwide acclaim and he became Nelson Mandela’s official photographer after his release in 1990. One of Freedom Park’s mandate is to “Honour with dignity our Heroes and Heroines who fought for freedom and humanity”. Undoubtedly, he has served this country and the world with distinction, unsurpassed by anyone. It is therefore, befitting that such a site as ours, conceptualized and created to honour our heroes and heroines, pay tribute to Dr Peter Magubane. The recipient of many awards and accolades. He was honoured on Friday 10 March 2023 at Freedom Park by former Minister of Arts and Culture. He said Magubane stopped covering news at the dawn of the new democracy and concentrated on exhibitions and publishing work from his extensive archive done over a long and distinguished career as South Africa’s foremost photojournalist.
Throughout Heritage Month 2021, Freedom Park was the venue for an outstanding exhibition looking back at the photographic career of Dr Peter Magubane. On display was a huge collection of Magubane’s photography, that included iconic images of struggle leaders and pivotal political moments in South Africa’s history. We were so humbled and honoured to have celebrated a Living Legend.
On behalf of the CEO, Council, Management and Staff of Freedom Park our heartfelt condolences go out his family and friends at the inconsolable loss of this ‘son of the soil”. You will never be forgotten! May you rest in eternal peace.
