Bulelwa Hoala

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to renowned South African photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard, who passed away aged 74 on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
According to reports, Lombard died of natural causes at his home in Cape Town, surrounded by his loved ones.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ramaphosa expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Lombard and offered his deep condolences to his family.
“We have lost a cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right.
“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,” said Ramaphosa.
Born in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard moved to Cape Town in 1962 where he qualified as an architectural draughtsman before becoming a documentary photographer.
He was popularly known for his role as the founder and organiser of the Cape Town edition of the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival, which is now known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Lombard was awarded the National Order of Ikhamanga (Silver) in 2014 for his excellent contribution to arts and culture.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has also paid tribute to Lombard.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rashid Lombard. A visionary, a co-founder of espAfrika, and The Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in Power,” the statement read.
SABC News reports that Lombard will be buried in Cape Town on Thursday, 5 June 2025.
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