Mabuza died in hospital on Sunday after a long illness and had been in and out of hospital since January with heart problems.
Sowetan picture editor Darryl Hammond paid tribute to Mabuza's work, adding that he had a great sense of humour.
"He's documented some big events in history, like the death of Chris Hani, and shot all sorts of things. He was always well dressed, well spoken, had a great sense of humour. He was really a great, humble guy," said Hammond.
"He was one of a kind, very selfless, you could literally call him any time of the day," said fellow photographer Elmond Jiyane, who was mentored by Mabuza.
After leaving journalism in 2015, Mabuza became an emerging cattle farmer.
Sanef has issued a joint press release in which it also acknowledges the passing of veteran journalist, ZB Molefe in addition to the news of Mabuza having passed away.
The release stated that Mabuza’s career spanned 30 years. During this time he worked as a photographer for some of the country’s leading publications, including the Sunday Times. Mabuza will be remembered as one of the photojournalists who covered Chris Hani's assassination.
“Mabuza was an outstanding photographer, who was promoted to the position of managing editor at the Sunday Times and later to the same position at the Sowetan and Sunday World. He retired in 2015. It is indeed sad news to hear about his passing,” said Moipone Malefane, Sanef’s secretary general.
The release also mentioned former City Press journalist, Zuluboy Molefe, popularly known as ZB Molefe, who passed away this past weekend. Molefe was an award-winning journalist and author who co-wrote and published a book in 1997, together with his colleague, Mike Mzileni, called: A Common Hunger To Sing: A Tribute to South Africa's Black Women of Song, 1950 to 1990.
“He was a gentleman and father figure. The journalism fraternity has lost a giant,” said Phalane Motale who worked with Molefe at the City Press. Motale remembers Molefe as an author and mentor who was dedicated to nurturing the skills of young journalists in the newsroom, “I became one of the top columnists because of him,” Molefe said.
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Veteran photographer Herbert Mabuza has died
Veteran photographer and editor Herbert Mabuza has died
