South African photographer John Parkin, who covered the country’s anti-apartheid struggle, its first democratic elections, and the presidency of Nelson Mandela, has died at the age of 63.

According to the details derived from his family sources, Parkin had long battled cancer and died Monday. After training as a photographer in the South African air force, Parkin worked for the Sunday Express newspaper in Johannesburg, and in the mid-1980s he began taking photos for The Associated Press. Parkin was known for his cool demeanor in often dangerous circumstances and for his reliability in getting photos.

A fellow photojournalist Trevor Samson said, “Parkinwas always consistent in his craft and consistent in his friendly manner, We worked alongside each other as competitors but as friends. That period, from 1985 until 1994, was the most incredible period in South Africa’s history and we had the privilege to cover it.”

Parkin moved to the United Kingdom in 1995, where he covered news events, including the funeral of Princess Diana, and used his expertise in information technology to work as a video journalist.

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