Avid reader and gardener, photographer Conan was certainly no barbarian
Mahlangu was knowledgeable and friendly with everyone
Born: May 8 1959
Died: May 13
Funeral: Tomorrow, at 8273 Maseko Street, Orlando West, Soweto, from 8.30am
Burial: Doornkop, Soweto
Photographer Conan Arnold Mbuya Mahlangu, who passed on last Friday after a long illness, was a multi-talented man.
Mahlangu was knowledgeable and also a disciplinarian. He had a passion for literature and sport. He respected everyone, irrespective of age and believed in assisting members of the community by either referself ring them to legal institutions or medical personnel.
Bra Conan, as he was affectionately known, was the fifth child of the late Zebedee and Eunice Mahlangu. He was born on May 8 1959.
He began his career as a photographer, venturing in different aspects before starting his own business. But his pride and joy was his vegetable patch in his backyard, on which he spent most of his time when free.
He enjoyed the sounds of jazz and was always looking dapper when presenting himself to family, friends and colleagues. He also kept abreast with world events as he was a keen reader.
Mahlangu’s son, Zamokuhle, said his father was protective of the family.
“He wanted us close to him at all times. He was a very firm man and once he had made up his mind, it was not easy to change it,” Zamokuhle.
Mahlangu believed in creating harmony and peace among people but could be shrewd when he wanted.
He also had a sense of humour; when introducing himHigher to people who could not pronounce his name properly he would say: “I’m Conan, the barbarian!”
But it was fun to be with him. Retired former senior sports journalist Pule Mokhine remembers Mahlangu as a passionate, helpful and friendly person.
“I remember going to Mohlakeng, on the West Rand, with Mahlangu to interview Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe. Conan’s pictures had a story to tell and his line of questioning when interviewing sports athletes was always interesting and compelling,” Mokhine said.
I worked with Mahlangu recording yesteryear professional boxers as we were both passionate in shining a light on black fighters who made an impact in SA boxing.
Mahlangu started school at Zithathele Lower Primary in Orlando East, Soweto, and then proceeded to Law Palmer Primary before completing Standard 6 (now known as grade 8) at Nkonjane Higher Primary in Meadowlands.
Thereafter he proceeded to KwaMahlobo High, also in Meadowlands, and later Daliwonga High in Dube.
His first job, as a photographer, was with The Voice newspaper.
He also worked for Sasol Oil in Sasolburg, JCI mining company in Mpumalanga and Wits University for its medical section for rural communities at Tinswalo Hospital in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga.
Mahlangu is survived by his wife, Sibongile, three sons – Sibusiso, Zamokhuhle and Phumelelo – as well as two daughters Lethukuthula and Banele.
He also leaves behind his brother Cyril, two sisters Gwendoline and Penelope and grandchildren.