The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Daily Sun journalist Tumelo Mofokeng, who passed away on Saturday, 1 March 2025, following a short illness.
According to his family, Mofokeng was admitted to the Sebokeng Hospital in the Vaal on Thursday, 27 February, but died two days later.
Mofokeng, a respected journalist, was a dedicated and passionate storyteller who served his community with integrity. His work extended beyond Daily Sun, having contributed to the Sowetan, ThethaFM, and he also founded his own publication, The Weekly Post.
His passion for reporting and highlighting community issues earned him widespread recognition, including the 2023-2024 Police Excellence Award from SA Police Service’s Sedibeng Cluster head, Major-General Nkhensani Lemba.
Mofokeng loved storytelling through the lens, his untimely passing is a great loss to the journalism fraternity. His contributions to media and his passion for storytelling will not be forgotten. SANEF honours his legacy and commitment to truthful and courageous journalism.
SANEF extends its heartfelt condolences to his widow, Lindela Khumalo, and their two young children, as well as his colleagues, friends, and the broader media community. May his soul rest in peace.
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, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) welcomes the provisional findings and remedies released by the Competition Commission Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI).
SANEF led calls together with other media advocacy groups and organisations in 2023 to make representations to the Competition Commission on unfair commercial practices by the big tech companies which have negatively impacted SA media. The South African media landscape has been decimated over the past 20 years due to the digitisation and social media usage. The MDPMI report shows the journalism workforce has been halved in the same period.
Few countries in the world (Canada and Australia) have challenged the big tech firms for compensation. The world has been waiting to see how SA fares in this Inquiry.
The commission found that freedom of expression, plurality, and diversity of media, which are entrenched in our Constitution, have been seriously infringed upon. The impact of these tech firms has been particularly devastating for local/community media, most of which not only suffered financial losses but had to retrench workers and shut down operations with calamitous consequences.
Other consequences of market dominance by big tech firms have been the spread of mis and disinformation and cyberbullying.
The Inquiry further highlights the important role played by the news media, not only concerning competition laws but also human rights, which was central to SANEF’s submissions.
SANEF welcomes the finding of the report, that the big techs – X (formerly Twitter), Meta, Google, and YouTube, among others – have all contributed to losses by SA media companies. SANEF also has some questions about the remedies and recommendations, in terms of quantum.
The report recommends R300-500 million of compensation by Google, over a three to five years period, but SANEF believes the big techies ought to be held accountable for losses already incurred too. Quantitatively, the R300-500 million appears too conservative given the scale of the damage done to South African media in general.
Part of the Inquiry’s recommendations was the establishment of a Journalism Sustainability Fund. SANEF has already initiated this and is appealing to companies for donations towards it. Tax breaks were also recommended including a levy on Google searches, which the government can take on, if it agrees with the commission’s remedies.
The report dealt with Ad tech, AI and chatbots, social media, and disinformation, people receiving their news from Google searches while recognising that digital platforms do not create content themselves. They aggregate content that was produced by paid journalists whose organisations incur massive costs in news production.
SANEF calls on all stakeholders to engage with the Competition Commission report and make submissions in the next four months. The final report will be released later this year.
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, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
South Africa’s journalists, the time has come to showcase your excellence! The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) in partnership with Standard Bank, sponsors of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, reminds all journalists to submit their finest work from January 1 to December 31, 2024, for the prestigious 2025 awards.
The call for entries officially opened in early February, and we urge all journalists not to wait until the last minute to enter. The deadline of March 31st is fast approaching, and any delay could cost you an opportunity to be recognised for your exceptional reporting. Do not be a “better late than never” journalist—be a leader. Go through your 2024 stories, with the help of colleagues and editors, or pictures now and select your best work to enter.
Virginia Magapatona, Standard Bank’s head of communication, says about the awards: “Excellence in journalism shapes societies, yet it often goes unrecognised. The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, now in its thirteenth year recognises journalists and media practitioners who selflessly pursue the truth with courage and dedication. We encourage all journalists working in print, digital, and broadcast media platforms to continue to strive for excellence. Whether you specialise in feature writing, breaking news, business, politics, or photojournalism, this is your opportunity to be recognised for excellence.”
SANEF’s chairman and Sunday Times editor, Makhudu Sefara, emphasises the importance of early submissions: “South African journalists do fantastic work, hence they should be encouraged to enter these awards. They should not risk losing an opportunity to shine and be recognised for their hard work.”
Over the years, the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards have become a defining moment in South African journalism. “Through these awards, the media industry can see the best of the best across various journalistic platforms being benchmarked against their peers by a panel of top-quality and highly credible judges,” Sefara adds.
Originally known as the Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards (MSNA), the awards have evolved into the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards. With Standard Bank now contracting SANEF to oversee the awards, they remain the yardstick of quality journalism in South Africa.
As the country’s most influential media freedom advocacy group, SANEF represents veteran and current editors, senior journalists, media trainers, and academics across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. SANEF is committed to promoting quality and ethical journalism while safeguarding freedom of expression.
The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards are positioned to be South Africa’s flagship journalism awards across all media platforms—Print, Digital, Radio, and TV. Do not miss your opportunity to be celebrated among the finest journalists in the country. Submit your entries now and secure your place among the best!
Submission Details
Journalists and media professionals are encouraged to submit their entries by sending their documents to [email protected]
Entries are invited from journalists across all platforms for the following categories:
Hard News
Indigenous Language Reporting: This category has been refined to entail news articles/broadcasting clips that are the result of proactive reporter enterprise. It is distinct from breaking news and represents stories initiated by the newsroom. Entrants should submit journalistic work that was produced using any of South Africa’s Indigenous languages across media segments, particularly meant to speak to the community the journalists work.
Community Service Reporting: This category has been remodelled to highlight hyper-local issues crafted from a community interest perspective, to inform, educate, and build resilient communities by amplifying grassroots narratives that matter. These are general community features and creative journalism stories initiated to capture the depth of community sentiments and concerns. Qualifying entries must be journalistic work produced for and published exclusively in community media platforms in all languages, and not in any commercial or publicly owned news entities.
Investigative Journalism
Business Journalism
Features: The Features category will now have two winners: one for Print and Online platforms, and another for Broadcasting. This is after the judges proposed a split in the Features category between print and broadcast entries.
Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: Recognising exceptional newsroom managers and publishers for their contributions. Entries should include a motivation letter or supporting documents provided by colleagues.
Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries to honour emerging talent.
Journalist of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries for exemplary contributions to the field.
The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrating sustained and extraordinary contributions to journalism by an individual who has demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.
At its first Council meeting for 2025, in Cape Town, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) elected Makhudu Sefara as its new chairperson.
Sefara is the editor of the Sunday Times and previously chaired SANEF’s Media Freedom sub-committee.
He replaces Nwabisa Makunga who relinquished the position following her promotion to an executive role at Arena.
Sefara thanked his predecessor for her leadership and challenged the organisation to follow in her footsteps in defending media freedom and strengthening the industry that is facing strong economic headwinds.
“I take this opportunity seriously and note that it comes at a time when the industry is facing a myriad of challenges. Many newsrooms are asking the question of how they are going to turn the corner without losing faith and hoping for better solutions as they go through retrenchments and having critical positions frozen, which has an impact on the quality of the work and therefore an impact on the quality of the contribution journalism makes to our much-cherished democracy,” Sefara said.
He thanked all newsroom leaders for continuing to do a sterling job of telling the South African story and “doing this not for themselves but for the country even with limited capacity”.
Slindile Khanyile, publishing editor of Umbele, an isiZulu financial publication, is the new chairperson of the SANEF Media Freedom sub-committee.
SANEF also congratulated Phathiswa Magopeni on her appointment as the new Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa. Thivhudzi Lukoto, executive producer at SAFM: News and Current Affairs, is SANEF’s new representative at the PCSA.
The Minister’s address
Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, addressed the council where she emphasised the importance of strong media in the functioning of our democracy.
Even with challenges facing newsrooms due to the economic challenges in the sector, Gwarube said South Africa should never underestimate the privilege it has of a free media that is “able to hold those entrusted with the power to account, inform and critique the government without journalists landing in jail”.
“Free press is fundamental when it comes to a constitutional democracy, it can’t thrive without a free press that is capable of exposing wrongdoing,” she said.
The minister shared her department’s plans and priorities over the next five years.
She spoke about the importance of fixing the country’s broken education system with a focus on developing the foundation phase. The country has to inject quality education from early child childhood development, instead of over-emphasising Matric results and using it as a barometer of the country’s education system.
“We cannot have an education system that is stitched together by interventions where learners in Grades 10, 11, and 12 are sent to boot camps and kept in schools around the clock just to make them obtain good Matric pass rates,” said Gwarube.
Challenges and opportunities of freelance journalism
SANEF discussed the research report on the plight of freelance journalists, which painted a bleak future for freelance writers and described their working conditions as untenable. It noted the profound transformations in media labour and the limited research on the state and working conditions of freelance journalists.
SANEF partnered with the Henry Nxumalo Foundation to commission a study aimed at understanding the current state of freelance journalism in South Africa.
The research report highlights both the challenges and opportunities of freelance journalism in the country – noting that freelance journalism has become increasingly prominent, especially in South Africa, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its normalisation of remote work.
SANEF will amend its constitution to allow senior freelancers to become members and repurpose its Community Media sub-committee to also include issues affecting freelancers.
SANEF has decided to draft a charter of minimum norms and standards for engaging freelancers. This charter will be shared with newsrooms around the country as guidelines for editors to help improve the working conditions of freelancers in the industry. SANEF has tasked veteran journalist, Anton Harber, to lead the process of drafting the guidelines for the media sector.
Cutting off financial assistance
SANEF noted the move by U.S. President Donald Trump to cut funding to USAID. SANEF is concerned by this move, and how it will harm the functioning of some organisations that do media advocacy work and investigative journalism.
Media’s role in an SA G20 year
SANEF has decided to proceed with a programme of events, consultations, and inputs aimed at bringing attention to issues affecting the media in Africa and the world – to coincide with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and the country’s hosting of the G20 Summit in November 2025.
This work will focus on the media, highlighting the role of AI in journalism, information integrity, and taking forward issues raised during Brazil’s Presidency of the G20 in 2024. Several local and international media development organisations have already expressed an interest in participating, including media representatives from G20 countries.
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, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is delighted to announce that entries for the 2025 edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards are officially open. The deadline for submissions is Monday, 31 March 2025.
The awards, organised by SANEF, will celebrate journalistic excellence in stories published or broadcast between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024. Please note that the submission deadline will not be extended due to the time-consuming adjudication process. Winners will be honoured at a prestigious event scheduled for June 2025, with the venue to be confirmed in Gauteng.
About the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards
The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards are designed to encourage and recognise outstanding journalistic work across South Africa. Over the years, these awards have become a cornerstone of journalistic excellence, highlighting the critical contributions of the media to our democracy.
SANEF is proud to organise the awards for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, having taken over from the Publishers’ Support Services (formerly PDMSA). The awards celebrate excellence across all media platforms, including print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV). They shine a spotlight on exceptional work in categories such as investigative reporting, feature writing, lifestyle journalism, and photojournalism.
Upholding Journalism Standards
The Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards underscore the importance of groundbreaking, accurate, fact-based, truthful, and fair reporting in an era where misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the media landscape. They serve as a testament to the vital role of the Fourth Estate in safeguarding democracy.
Award Categories
Entries are invited from journalists across all platforms for the following categories:
Hard News
Indigenous Language Reporting in Community Media: This category has been refined to entail news articles/broadcasting clips that are the result of proactive reporter enterprise. It is distinct from breaking news and represents stories initiated by the newsroom. Entrants should submit journalistic work that was produced using any of South Africa’s indigenous languages across media segments, particularly meant to speak to the community the journalists work.
Community Service Reporting: This category has been remodelled to highlight hyper-local issues crafted from a community interest perspective, to inform, educate, and build resilient communities by amplifying grassroots narratives that matter. These are general community features and creative journalism stories initiated to capture the depth of community sentiments and concerns. Qualifying entries must be journalistic work produced for and published exclusively in community media platforms in all languages, and not in any commercial or publicly owned news entities.
Investigative Journalism
Business Journalism
Features: The Features category will now have two winners: one for Print and Online platforms, and another for Broadcasting. This is after the judges proposed a split in the Features category between print and broadcast entries.
Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: Recognising exceptional newsroom managers and publishers for their contributions. Entries should include a motivation letter or supporting documents provided by colleagues.
Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries to honour emerging talent.
Journalist of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries for exemplary contributions to the field.
The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrating sustained and extraordinary contributions to journalism by an individual who has demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.
Submission Details
Journalists and media professionals are encouraged to submit their entries by sending their documents to [email protected].
Join us in recognising the dedication, integrity, and talent of South Africa’s finest journalists. Be part of the celebration of media excellence at the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the untimely passing of Anelisa Sibanda, affectionately known as MaNdaba. The 27-year-old journalist, described as a rising star in the media industry, passed away on Monday at a Johannesburg hospital after being rushed there due to stomach pain.
Sibanda’s aunt, Siphephelaphi Sibanda, expressed the family’s devastation: “We are all shocked by her sudden passing, as we were still expecting so much from her. Anelisa was a respectful youngster with a bright future ahead.”
After graduating from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Sibanda joined Sunday World in 2021 as an intern. She contributed to its online platform and quickly gained recognition for her talent and dedication. Her colleagues described her as humble, self-driven, and passionate about journalism—a ray of hope who inspired those around her.
Sunday World acting editor, Ngwako Malatji, shared his sorrow: “When I heard of Anelisa’s passing, I was gutted. My heart is bleeding. She was a rising star who served Sunday World with loyalty and compassion. She had so much to offer, but her journey ended too soon. To the Sibanda family, thank you for sharing Anelisa with us. May her soul rest in peace.”
Sibanda’s co-workers spoke fondly of her work ethic and warm personality. Layout designer, Matshepo Serage-Mahlulo said: “Anelisa was respectful, passionate, and always willing to help. She ensured her work was exceptional. She was polite, friendly, and beautiful—a joy to be around.”
Former colleague Maseipati Tsotsotso, who mentored Sibanda, said: “She was sweet, humble, and eager to learn. Her hunger for excellence was remarkable, and her presence lit up the room. Her passing is heartbreaking—she had so much ahead of her.”
Sports reporter Siyasanga Monoalibe, added, “Anelisa was one of the easiest people to work with. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to know her. May her beautiful soul rest in eternal glory.”
Sibanda’s best friend and Sunday World entertainment writer, Mbalenhle Zuma, paid a heartfelt tribute: “Anelisa was more than a colleague — she was like a sister to me. Her positivity and quick wit brightened everyone’s day. Her contagious laughter and unwavering support made her an invaluable friend. Heaven has gained an angel, but we are shattered by this loss.”
Another close friend and former colleague, Coceka Magubeni, shared her disbelief: “We had so much in common — our upbringing, morals, and aspirations. We were inseparable. I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that I can’t text her about my day. She was a constant presence in my life.”
Former colleague Bongani Mdakane reflected on her ambition: “Anelisa was a shining light, a feisty young woman with big dreams. She made her mark in journalism, and her legacy will endure. May her soul rest in power.”
Sunday World’s layout designer Muzi Hadebe said: “We are all shattered by her loss. Anelisa was kind, loving, and respectful. Her death came as a shock. May her soul rest in peace.”
Sports editor Kgomotso Mokoena added: “When I met Anelisa, I saw a dreamer eager to make her mark in journalism. She faced challenges but never gave up. Her kind demeanour and attention to detail set her apart. Her untimely death is heartbreaking. Condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.”
Anelisas’s death is a profound loss to the journalism community. Her dedication, kindness, and ambition left an indelible mark on those who knew her. SANEF extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
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, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened by the passing of the esteemed journalist William “Paddy” Harper. Harper died peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 58.
A veteran of South African journalism, Paddy was celebrated for his fearless reporting, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to truth. Throughout his illustrious career, he worked with several leading media houses, including at the Independent Media group, City Press, The Times, Sunday Times, and most recently, the Mail & Guardian, where he served as Political Editor.
Mondli Makhanya, City Press editor and one of Harper’s former colleagues described him as “one of the finest among us,” adding that Paddy’s unique writing style combined wit and a sense of mischief without diminishing the seriousness of the subject matter.
“Paddy was undoubtedly one of the silkiest writers of our generation. Whether reporting on tragedies that have scarred his province or analysing political conferences, he transported readers to the scene with vivid imagery and sharp clarity,” Makhanya said. “He understood South African politics, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, better than most. Paddy was also a “blerry” hilarious raconteur and an entertaining drinking partner, with unmatched knowledge of Durban’s bar and shebeen scene.”
Sthembiso Msomi, former Sunday Times editor, reflected on Harper’s role as a pioneer in the New African newspaper, part of the courageous alternative press that stood against apartheid in the 1980s.
“Paddy was a legend to aspiring journalists like me,” Msomi shared. “His fearless reporting on political violence in Richmond, the debates in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, and infighting within the provincial government showed his courage to tell the truth, no matter whom it offended. His professionalism and independence earned him respect across the political spectrum.”
Msomi added that Harper’s insight and dedication were evident even years later when they worked together at the Sunday Times. “Beyond his exceptional journalism, Paddy’s down-to-earth approach and Ubuntu will be sorely missed.”
Luke Feltham, Mail & Guardian Editor-in-Chief described Paddy as an incredible human being and fierce friend to all at the Mail & Guardian.
“For so long he was our newsroom’s conscience – an adored mentor that ensured our journalism remained uncompromising. He was a storyteller, loyal to the truth and never influenced by fear or agenda. His irreproachable ethics earned him respect from readers, colleagues, and the political world he reported on. It is rare that someone whose words are so influential, at times potent, is so universally revered,” he said.
He said the tributes that have flooded the M&G reflected how loved he was. Everyone has a “Paddy story” more often than not a wild exploit that invariably ends in a couple of cold ones at the bar. “He was a great journalist because he lived a great life. We will miss him dearly.”
Kumi Naidoo, former director of Greenpeace, highlighted Harper’s lasting impact on South African media. “Paddy’s fearless reporting and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark. His passion for truth inspired many, and his legacy will continue to resonate through the stories he shared. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Mahlatse Mahlase, former SANEF chairperson and Eye Witness News editor, described Harper’s death as a significant loss to South African democracy. “Paddy was a formidable journalist, wielding his pen with purpose and wit. He carried an invaluable wealth of institutional memory, and his contributions to our media landscape will not be forgotten.”
Melanie-Ann Feris described his death as a sad day for journalism. “I had the privilege of working with Paddy many years ago at the City Press. I was in awe of him and learned so much from him. He was not only a gifted journalist but also a great human being – a true gentleman, a kind soul, and someone with a wonderful sense of humour.”
Ron Derby, former editor-in-chief of the Mail & Guardian, wrote: “There are three special things about Paddy Harper, the old war horse of a political journalist that I had the highest honour of working with during my three years at the Mail & Guardian. First, he had Irish roots, second, he was an Arsenal fan. And like ‘Liam Brady,’ the third aspect of Paddy that I loved was that he wrote with a flair that most of us who had shared a newsroom with him could only ever dream of.”
He said it was a privilege reading him or listening to him opine about the state of the country’s politics and in the main – KwaZulu Natal’s history since the 1980s. Paddy knew the land of a thousand hills with its many tales of hope, beauty and political subterfuge better than most especially the world of the late Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the IFP. He was amongst the last of a dying breed of romantic journalists who understood and cherished their craft of storytelling with a wit and charm that could not be matched. Derby said he would be missed, and his old fraternity is all the poorer for it.
Paddy Harper’s legacy as a journalist, colleague, and friend will endure in the hearts of those he touched and the stories he told. SANEF extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as we honour the life and legacy of one of South Africa’s finest journalists.
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, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the untimely passing of former journalist and editor, Prince Chauke (47).
After a short illness, Chauke passed away on Saturday in his flat in Cape Town. Chauke worked for the now-defunct Sunday Sun, owned by Media24, for more than ten years until the newspaper closed its doors.
He was known for his infectious energy, laugh, and passion for covering celebrity news, which was what the Sunday Sun used to focus on.
Nahima Ahmed, a former colleague at Media24, said: “Prince was known as Malome to some and Papa Bear to others, but to me, he was always Comrade. We were a solid team on our news desks, collaborating and sharing stories. As news editors at Sunday Sun and Daily Sun, we thrived on breaking exclusives, mentoring our teams, and winning awards—from Legends Awards to Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards and in-house accolades.
“Even after leaving the media industry, our bond remained strong. We spoke often, sometimes just to catch up.”
The Legends Awards are run internally by Media24 to recognise its staff members.
“Our last conversation now feels like a farewell. That day, he reminded me, “Comrade, we are multiple Legends winners. We achieved a lot and gained recognition. Five years in a row, we took home Legends in Cape Town, and every year, our teams won the Sikuvile Awards. We must never forget that. Push that company of yours and make enough money. His words were exactly what I needed to hear in the new year. Prince’s passing was a shock. I will miss my comrade — his loud voice, his laughter, his presence. Rest in peace, Comrade Prince,” said Ahmed.
Lerato Matsoso, a former colleague at Sunday Sun, said: “Prince or Papa Bear as I affectionately called him in the newsroom was both the cure and the cause.
He would deliver the biggest “good morning” when he walked speeding into the Sunday Sun offices but deliver the biggest “stress” when he wanted his diary. I walked into the Daily Sun and Sunday Sun offices fresh from tertiary as an intern, became a freelancer for about a year and he offered me a permanent contract at Sunday Sun. At 24 years old, both Prince and then editor-in-chief, Reggy Moalusi, believed so much in me they appointed me the Daily and Sunday Sun’s entertainment editor.
“A role that shaped and gave birth to the name Lerato Matsoso in the entertainment business. He shaped the celebrity news culture in SA and was a good leader. Not just my former boss but my mentor and a big brother who even when we both left the newspaper industry still held my hand.
I have so many memories but the biggest is that he was an amazing, yet peculiar person. A lover of life and music. Rest in peace Papa Bear.”
Ngwako Malatji, the acting editor of Sunday World, said: “Chauke and I met in 2005 when he was a freelance journalist for Sowetan. Our professional relationship blossomed into a friendship and brotherhood when he moved into my house in Joburg when he joined Sunday Sun a few years later. While living in my house, he forged a close relationship with my daughter who called him “Uncle Prince”.
“Chauke and I spoke about everything under the sun, from politics, sports, and music to challenges facing our industry. We continued to do so even after he moved to his new pad in Joburg north.
“The last time I spoke to him was when he informed me about the death of legendary kwaito star, Doc Shebeleza. When I heard of his untimely death, I was so devastated, and heartbroken. In him, my family and I have lost an uncle, a brother, and a caring friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
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, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
For more information, please contact:
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always active
Necessary cookies are essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Analytics
Analytics cookies are used to track user behaviour on our website. We process these cookies to understand user engagement and improve user experience on our website.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
