Minister Gayton McKenzie mourns passing of Jazz Icon and Photographer Rashid Lombard

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, mourns the passing of the acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard, who died peacefully today at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Rashid Lombard relocated with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later pursued a career in industrial photography, beginning his professional path at the construction firm Murray & Roberts.

As a young boy in the Eastern Cape, he lived in a community where people of all races coexisted. Black, white, Coloured, Indian and Chinese families shared neighbourhoods, exchanged stories and formed bonds that apartheid later sought to destroy. It was a glimpse of what a united South Africa could be.

The arrival of apartheid brought violence and forced removals. Families were relocated based solely on the colour of their skin, and many of Lombard’s childhood friends disappeared, never to be seen again. This trauma deeply affected him and heightened his awareness of injustice. These early experiences, along with the Black Consciousness Movement, inspired his lifelong commitment to justice and equality.

He chose to fight not with weapons but with his camera. During South Africa’s struggle for liberation, he worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. His lens witnessed history, capturing the pain, courage and hope of a people longing for freedom.

He documented key moments such as the growing democracy movement in the 1980s, Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990, and the first democratic election in 1994. His images reached global audiences through major outlets like Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC, offering the world a powerful view of South Africa’s journey.

As democracy took hold, Lombard turned his energy to jazz, another lifelong passion. He held leadership roles at Fine Music Radio and P4 Smooth Jazz Radio before founding espAfrika in 1997. Through this company, he launched the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000, directing it until 2014. The festival grew into one of Africa’s largest and most respected cultural events, showcasing local talent alongside international stars and putting Cape Town firmly on the global jazz map.

Even after retiring, he remained committed to preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage. He undertook the important task of digitising his extensive photographic archive, a project begun by his late wife, Colleen. Working with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, he ensured the collection would be accessible as a national treasure. His family continues this vital work today.

His contributions extend beyond festivals and archives. In 2010, he published Jazz Rocks, a photographic tribute curated by the late George Hallett. The book captures the spirit, energy and connection of jazz through Rashid’s distinctive lens.

In 2014, Rashid Lombard was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. This prestigious award recognised his exceptional impact on the arts, cultural preservation and the global celebration of South African jazz.

Minister McKenzie paid tribute to Mr Lombard, saying:

“Rashid Lombard was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller and freedom fighter who used his camera as a weapon for justice. He captured truth when others looked away, showing the world our pain, pride, struggle, and strength. Rashid gave us history and memories that speak louder than words. Today, we honour a true artist who told our story with heart, honesty, and deep respect. South Africa has lost a giant.”

Mr Lombard is survived by his wife Colleen, his sister Fazoe, his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach and Daniel, and his grandchildren. He will be laid to rest according to Muslim rites on Thursday at 11:30 AM at the family home.

For media enquiries:
Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za 
Cell: +27 77 608 7579

Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za 
Cell: +27 72 172 8925

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