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Johannesburg - Photographer Alf Kumalo was an outstanding individual and a great South African, President Jacob Zuma on Monday.
Kumalo, 82, died of renal failure in a Johannesburg hospital on Sunday.
"He was a meticulous photographer and his work will live on forever as a monument to the people's resilience and fortitude in the face of oppression and apartheid. We have lost a great South African," Zuma said in a statement.
Kumalo received the National Order of Ikhamanga and several other awards, including the prestigious Nat Nakasa Award.
"On behalf of government and the whole nation, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Kumalo family and friends. May his soul rest in peace," said Zuma.
Inspiration
Parliament's portfolio committee on arts and culture said the country had been robbed of one of its celebrated artists and it called on people to support his photography school.
"We hope that his work will serve as an inspiration to budding photo-journalists and artists so they can also have fulfilling careers," said chairperson Thandile Sundusa.
Political parties praised Kumalo's contribution to documenting the country's history.
The Congress of the People said Kumalo had fought apartheid through the camera lens.
"He made sure messages were communicated to the masses through artistic expression and images. He played a big role in the political struggle," it said in a statement.
"It is painful to note that he has left us. He will be deeply missed in photo-journalism, with his trademark panama [hat]," said Inkatha Freedom Party Gauteng spokesperson Bonginkosi Dlamini.
The National Press Club said it had been honoured to have Kumalo as a judge in the photographic category of its Journalist of the Year competition for a number of years.
