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CAMERAMAN: Photographer Alf Kumalo Photo: Sydney Seshibedi

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His younger brother, Len, said Kumalo, 82, had suffered from prostate cancer and kidney failure.

"He has been sick for a long time and has been in and out of hospital since March this year. It got worse recently but he could still walk with some assistance," he said.

Kumalo had been living in a retirement village in Woodmead, Johannesburg, with his wife, Modiegi.

Peter Magubane, his long-time friend and fellow photographer, said Kumalo lived his life to the fullest.

"We go back a long way - back to the '50s. I'm glad he lived his life the way he wanted. He was a wonderful photographer and always ready to help. Many photographers passed through his hands," he said.

Magubane last saw Kumalo three months ago, when he "looked fine".

Born in Johannesburg in 1930, Kumalo started his career as a freelance journalist for Bantu World in 1951. His passion for photography was noted and in 1956 he moved to Golden City Post. He was a photographer for Drum in the magazine's early years.

Kumalo covered many of South Africa's historical moments such as the Treason Trial, the Rivonia Trial, the union strikes of the 1970s and the rise of the Black Consciousness Movement. His work was published in both local and international newspapers.

In 2002 he opened a museum in Diepkloof, Soweto, which showcases five decades of South African history. The museum, however, has been struggling financially.

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Sun May 19 22:21:40 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 22, 2012

warry

Residence in peace ntate. O botse Hector freedom e fihlile eupsa re fase ga economic apartheid by way of corruption and nepotism.
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Oct 22, 2012

T.C.T

from what i heared he was a fanatastic photographer and im even conviced wen SOWETAN covered his passing it shows he was in his own league,..PERHEPS it is about time to be educated about this prostate cancer and kidney failures cause i dont remember seeing advert that teaches us about those issues..all im seeing is alcohol advert and sex advert etc maybe our STATE is failing us..cause im not that educated about such matters BUT ask me about wat il learn wen coming to alcohol i will answer you without panicing cause every after 2second advert is de..
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Oct 22, 2012

Seja-Bana

the municipality must finance his musiam and get it back on track.
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Oct 22, 2012

Shredder

RIP.
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Oct 22, 2012

Shredder

@T.C.T

Maybe you should have not capitalized that PERHEPS. LOL
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Oct 22, 2012

MommaC

A truly brilliant photographer and an all round nice guy.
Travel well Mr K.
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Oct 22, 2012

Kabelo10

@Shredder
@T.C.T

Maybe you should have not capitalized that PERHEPS. LOL
================================
And your point is what exactly???????
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Oct 22, 2012

IamGoodAndYou?

Aai, didn't know the old man!!
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Oct 22, 2012

Mzabalazo

Thanks for your contribution. You will be missed.
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Oct 22, 2012

PGS

"May His Soul Rest in Peace"
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