Lensman who opened world’s eyes buried

Thulani Nzima, the eldest son of legendary photographer Sam Nzima, said his father received more accolades and recognition from overseas countries for the iconic photograph he shot during the 1976 Soweto uprising than he did in South Africa.

His father had waited for years after capturing the image before he was recognised by the South African government for his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle, he said.

“The accolades and recognition Bra Sam received overseas dwarfed the ones he received in this country,” Thulani told a 5 000-strong crowd at a memorial service for his father in Lilydale village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. “His iconic image is hanging in the United Nations headquarters in New York.”

On Freedom Day in 2011, then president Jacob Zuma bestowed national honours on Nzima for his famous photograph. He received the Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises South Africans who excel in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

Nzima died on May 12 at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela at the age of 83. He is best known for his photograph of Mbuyisa Makhubu carrying 13-year-old Hector Pieterson who was shot by police during the uprising and died soon after.

Addressing the same gathering later, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa admitted that Nzima fell in the category of people who had not got the recognition they deserved in this country.

Nzima will be laid to rest in Lilydale village today in a provincial official funeral. – ANA