#SamNzima is better known as the man behind the famous photo of Hector Pieterson on the 16th June 1976.
The photograph of Hector Pieterson was published widely‚ and it helped to force the world to take notice and act against a government which was prepared to kill even children so that it could continue enforcing its oppressive policies of racial discrimination and oppression in South Africa.
Nzima died at the age of 83 in a Nelspruit hospital in Mpumalanga on Saturday evening‚ as reported on TimesLIVE.
WHO IS SAM NZIMA
Sam Nzima was born in the small town of Lillydale in Mpumalanga (Bushbuckridge) on the 8th August 1934. He was the South African photographer who took what became the well known image of Hector Pieterson for the Soweto Uprising, but struggled for years to get the copyright.
His father worked as a labourer for a white farmer. Sam Nzima first became interested in photography when a teacher of his had shown him his camera and how to use it. While still at school, Sam bought a camera and began taking pictures in the Kruger National Park. When the farmer pressed Nzima into farm labour, he ran away after nine months of working at the farm to Johannesburg. He found a job as a gardener in Henningham.
In 1956, Nzima found work as a waiter at the Savoy Hotel. At the hotel a photographer named Patrick Rikhotso taught him photography skills. Nzima took portraits of workers. While at the Chelsea Hotel, Nzima started reading The Rand Daily Mail newspaper. When reading the articles of Allister Sparks, Sam became very interested in photojournalism.
Below is Twitter’s reactions to the legendary photographer – Sam Nzima:
#1.
The story behind the 16th June 1976 Soweto Uprising iconic picture taken by Sam Nzima#SamNzima#RIPSamNzima pic.twitter.com/jOBJtaQrtw
— #IAmWinnieMandela ?? (@KatlehoMK) May 13, 2018
#2.
#SamNzima The last click of liberation struggle cameraman is no more . Rest in Powerful peace and rise in glory… pic.twitter.com/EEAG48iW8T
— Godrich Gardee (@GardeeGodrich) May 12, 2018
#3.
#SamNzima
Some of us were not there when you took this iconic picture.
We will however be constantly reminded of your work and contributions to storytelling.
Robala ka kagiso Ntate Nzima pic.twitter.com/8W1LB00Uuf
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) May 13, 2018
#4.
To our very own African digital story teller, ?????#SamNzima you took this photo with pure intentions,
A photo that travelled across the globe ???, you are amongst veterans who saved our very own land from oppression, we thank you.#RIPSamNzima ??? pic.twitter.com/dpJGI9wQGc— Yonke Mkentane (@yonke_mkentane) May 12, 2018
#5.
RIP Sam Nzima who took the legendary photo of Hector Pieterson.
16 June 1976…
Contributed a lot to history with this iconic photograph.#June16#SamNzima pic.twitter.com/YxZQFL2ovN— Gift Phiri (@MGTHEFIRST_SA) May 12, 2018
#6.
I move without notice that from now henceforth, #SABC should present #SamNzima Award to their camera operators who capture iconic pictures/videos through the power of the lens.
Sam Nzima shouldn’t die, but multiply!!
I so move!!#RIPSamNzima pic.twitter.com/itXppkeqaN— Hloni Nyetanyane (@HloniNyetanyane) May 13, 2018
#7.
This is the camera that took the iconic Hector Pieterson picture. Former American First Lady Hilary Clinton wanted to buy it & take it to USA, but Mama Winnie instructed #SamNzima to keep the camera & not sell it to anyone.#RIPSamNzima pic.twitter.com/RjEoKN54aK
— Hloni Nyetanyane (@HloniNyetanyane) May 13, 2018
#8.
Photographer #SamNzima passes on aged 83 https://t.co/jaPDfGqWuV pic.twitter.com/r7ug1qqkx9
— City Press Online (@City_Press) May 12, 2018
#9.
This man #SamNzima took this iconic photo during the trying times of liberation struggle. He exposed the brutal apartheid regime to the international community, for killing innocent kids. I have so much respect for this man for his brave action. May his soul rest in peace. Salute pic.twitter.com/i8d6lQup9X
— Saaz Saida RSA? (@MaximumRSA) May 13, 2018
#10.
Rest in Peace Ntate #SamNzima , you played pivotal role in our struggle. They wanted to buy your camera “West” and refused.
We dip our revolutionary banners pic.twitter.com/mxi8UAFWHF
— PAC OF AZANIA – POQO (@PACAZANIA59) May 12, 2018
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