South African photojournalist John Parkin dies at age 63

South African photographer John Parkin has died at the age of 63

JOHANNESBURG -- 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. Parkin had long battled cancer and died Monday, according to his daughter. 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.