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Sam Nzima laid to rest

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Veteran photojournalist, Sam Nzima, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Lillydale in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga on Saturday.

Nzima, who is known for taking the iconic picture of Hector Pieterson during the Soweto uprising in June 1976, was accorded a provincial special official funeral.

Government says it also plans to honour Nzima by building a museum and a cultural village near his home.

Thousands of mourners and dignitaries attended the funeral service of Nzima who is also regarded as a struggle icon. Nzima passed on earlier this month after being admitted to the Rob Ferreira hospital. His son, Thulani Nzima, says they have accepted their loss.

One of Nzima’s friends, well-known businessman Robert Gumede described him as a humble person.

“What can you say when a giant has fallen, what can one say when you talk about a world icon, that has put Lillydale and Mpumalanga on the global map. We gather today to say the last farewell, and quite interestingly yesterday (Friday) we were celebrating Africa Day, and today we are putting him in his final resting place.”

A school to be named after Nzima will be built in Lillydale. Deputy President, David Mabuza revealed this when he delivered the eulogy at Nzima’s funeral service. Mabuza says Nzima played a crucial role in ensuring effective governance during the early days of democracy.

Meanwhile, Nzima’s widow Zinziswa’s final message to her husband was also read out.

“My dear darling Sam, When we first met it was love at first sight. I fell in love with your handsomeness and  your dimples.”

Nzima was buried next to where a museum and a cultural village will be built in his honor.

Nzima a fearless photojournalist

Delivering the eulogy, Deputy President David Mabuza described Nzima as a fearless photojournalist.

“Sam Nzima represented South Africa very well. He used his camera to show the suffering of South African people by taking that picture of Hector Pieterson. He was harassed for doing his work. This is a legend that will forever remain in our hearts.”

Young people have been urged to emulate him, by contributing to shaping the future of South Africa.

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