Remembering Rashid Lombard: A legacy in photography and jazz

Tributes have streamed in for veteran photographer and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard,who died on Wednesday at the age of 74.

Born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962.

Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts.

Lombard worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle. He captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC.

Over the course of his career, he documented pivotal moments in South Africa’s journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.

After stepping away from the festival, he took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife Colleen Rayson. He later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource. His daughter will now carry this work forward. 

In a joint statement, espAfrika, the Sekunjalo Group and Survé Family said that his passing is a profound loss to South Africa and the global arts community.

“Rashid’s legacy is etched across multiple spheres – from his work as a courageous photojournalist during the anti-apartheid struggle, to his pioneering role in founding espAfrika and conceptualising the CTIJF, now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world. “Today, the Sekunjalo Group and the Survé Family, as the owners of espAfrika, remain steadfast in their commitment to honouring the CTIJF’s vision of bringing together jazz lovers and showcasing the rich tapestry of jazz genres from South Africa and around the world. ”The family and group also extended their deepest sympathies to his loved ones.

GOOD Party leader, Patricia De Lille extended condolences to Lombard's family, friends, and all music lovers.

“During my time as the Mayor of Cape Town, I had the privilege of working alongside Rashid. The Jazz Festival stood out not just as a world-class musical showcase but as an all-inclusive event that actively worked to build a more inclusive city, one that welcomed all, regardless of colour or creed. Beyond the stage, Rashid Lombard was a celebrated photojournalist whose powerful imagery captured the rise of South Africa’s democratic movement and celebrated the vibrant pulse of South African jazz. Rashid Lombard’s legacy is one of passion, purpose, and people. We honour his life, his art, and his enduring impact,” De Lille said. 

He is survived by his lifelong-partner Colleen Lombard, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, and his grandchildren Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, Amir Uccio, and Stella Ahed. His granddaughter Hannah passed away in 2002.

Lombard will be buried according to Muslim rites. The janaazah (burial) will be held on Thursday at 11:30am, at the family home.

Cape Argus