Sanef Mourns Death of Media Colleagues

13 February 2019

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) joins our colleagues in the media fraternity to mourn the passing of key colleagues who leave an indelible mark in our industry.

Veteran journalist and editor, Brendan Boyle, succumbed to his battle to cancer on Monday. Boyle was a veteran journalist who worked on major South African newspapers and in international agencies.

Boyle was a doyen of the parliamentary gallery, having served there for many years as Bureau Chief for Reuter’s and the Sunday Times. He also served as Editor of the Daily Dispatch. “He was highly regarded in media and political circles for his incisive grasp of policy issues, particularly economics,” said Mondli Makhanya, former Editor of the Sunday Times and now Editor of City Press.  At the time of his passing Boyle was working as a policy researcher fighting for the rights of communities in South Africa ‘s mining regions.

SANEF also learnt with sadness of the tragic death of journalist Nonhlanhla Nhlapo from Power FM who was killed in a car crash last week. She has been described by her colleagues as a consummate professional delivering on her duties as desk producer and reporter with exceptional skill and passion. Prior to radio she had spent several years at eNCA as a desk writer. “She had a passion for storytelling and wanted to grow into an all-round broadcaster. She took on challenges with aplomb and wasn’t shy to get out of her comfort zone by tackling more complex investigations”, colleagues said.

“She was a happy and cheerful member of the team who was always willing to help others. She went above and beyond in her work – it was a vocation,” said former Power News Editor, Dianne Hawker.

SANEF sends condolences to both families. They will be sorely missed.

For more information please contact:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, 083 399 2852

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director 082 926 6404