Ramaphosa expresses deep sadness at passing of Rashid Lombard

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of renowned photographer, cultural activist and jazz organiser Rashid Lombard, at the age of 74.

Lombard died in Cape Town today.

He was the recipient of the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, which he received in 2014 for his contribution to arts and culture.

Ramaphosa has lauded Lombard for his dedication to promoting jazz that put South Africa on the map.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says, “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.”