Peter Magubane: Camera once hidden in a ‘loaf of bread’

Tributes are pouring in for famous photojournalist and photographer Peter Magubane, who was once the official photographer for President Nelson Mandela – as well as the eyes behind the lens for some of South Africa’s most notable (though not always pleasant) history.

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The photographer passed away on 1 January, 2024 and leaves behind a legacy of photography and art. Some tributes have included from President Cyril Ramaphosa and others who were touched by his life and life’s work.

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Here’s more about tributes to the historical South African photographer, and why his work made a difference.

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PETER MAGUBANE: TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Peter Magubane was born 18 January, 1932 and would move on to become one of the country’s most prominent photographers.

Among other events, Magubane captured events like the Sharpeville Massacre (1960), and the Soweto Riots (1976). He was banned by the apartheid government from taking photographs again – but this didn’t deter him from his cause.

He was also chosen as President Nelson Mandela’s official photographer, adding to his list of lifetime accomplishments.

PETER MAGUBANE: CAMERA ONCE HIDDEN IN A ‘LOAF OF BREAD’

According to some accounts, Peter was known for his tactics to evade the apartheid government – and sometimes this involved managing to hide his camera from prying eyes and government forces.

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As he reported, he once had to hide his camera in a loaf of bread to take photographs amongst apartheid’s police forces. While pretending to eat, he snapped his camera – and when the bread was finished, he reportedly moved to hiding the camera in a box of milk.

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Can you imagine having to do all of this, just to get photographs of the truth to print?

MAGUBANE: PHOTOJOURNALIST OF NOTE

Peter was a photojournalist of note, who made an international impact with his work – particularly on covering the abuses of the previous government.

After reading Drum Magazine, he was employed as a driver – and later placed on assignment for his very first photography gig in 1955.

Peter went on to report for Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and more – including many local publications.