SANEF Mourns the Passing of SABC Veteran Journalist Veronica Fourie.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) expresses its profound sadness and extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of veteran SABC journalist Veronica Fourie, a deeply respected and much-loved figure in South Africa’s media landscape. Fourie passed away on Monday morning after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Fourie, who had been enjoying her retirement in Jeffreys Bay, passed away in an ambulance on her way to the hospital. Despite her illness, her family and friends remember her as a woman who faced her struggle with extraordinary grace, wisdom, and her signature “slash of red lipstick.”

Known affectionately as “Tannie V,” Fourie began her professional life as a qualified teacher before finding her true calling in news. Her career spanned decades across major South African publications and broadcasters:

She made her mark at The Herald, Die Oosterlig, and Die Burger Eastern Cape. She then spent over 20 years at the SABC newsroom in Gqeberha, where she flourished in radio and television.

Her colleagues noted that her personal experience with the loss of her child in a car crash gave her a unique empathy, making her the “go-to” person for difficult or emotional interviews.

SABC News Eastern Cape Editor Jurie Blignaut remarked, “On radio, her words came alive. With that warm touch, she could coax an interview from even the most recalcitrant guest. Her contribution to SABC news is still felt today.”

“Human interest features were her forte. She had a knack for covering crime and courts, as her stellar coverage of the Jayde Panayiotou murder indicated. By telling the human story, she was able to make the information easily accessible. With that warm touch, she could coax an interview from even the most recalcitrant guest,” Blignaut recalled.

In her retirement, Fourie remained active in the craft she loved, freelancing for the Kouga Express and writing her popular weekly column, “Veronica Vertel” (Veronica Tells).

Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw, GM of EP Media, and Kathryn Kimberley, The Herald news editor, both recalled Fourie as a larger-than-life personality who mentored scores of young journalists. “She shared her knowledge and skills freely,” said Blignaut. “She was an office mother who was a shoulder to cry on and a hand to support.”

Fourie was as famous for her vibrant personality as she was for her reporting. Her daughter, Erika Ferreira, shared that her mother never let cancer dampen her spirits.

“After her first chemo session, she lost her hair. But it did not faze her because she loved wearing hats so much. Just last weekend, she was at a family wedding and danced. She made every moment count.”

Her longtime friend and former colleague Janine Lee recalled their 25 years together at the SABC, where they were known as “007” for their playful office pranks. Lee noted Fourie’s favourite mantra for facing adversity: “Put on your lipstick, put on your hat, and just get on with it.”

Fourie is survived by her daughter Erika Ferreira and son-in-law Dawson; her son Dr. Ruhan Fourie; and her beloved grandchildren, Yula and Heston Jr. Ferreira.

SANEF extends its deepest sympathies to the Fourie family and the many colleagues whose lives were touched by “Tannie V.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Slindile Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138-5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za