SANEF Mourns the passing of Jean-Jacques Cornish
Veteran journalist, editor, radio talk-show host, and commentator on African affairs, Jean-Jacques CornishThe South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the passing of veteran journalist, editor, radio talk-show host, and commentator on African affairs, Jean-Jacques (JJ) Cornish.
Cornish, who passed away last week, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. His illustrious career began as the London Bureau Chief of the South African Press Association (SAPA) and included roles as a special correspondent to the United Nations at just 25 years old. He also edited and managed several newspapers and served as the Africa correspondent for Radio 702, for over a decade. In 2003, he transitioned to presenting ‘The Africa Report’ on 702, where his commentary and insights on the continent enriched South Africa’s public discourse.
Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa described Cornish’s death as “a significant loss” to journalism and the African narrative he worked passionately to elevate.
“The government extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jean-Jacques Cornish, who dedicated his life to journalistic excellence, both locally and internationally. As a former London Bureau Chief of SAPA, JJ ensured South African stories were told on a global platform. His nuanced commentary on African affairs helped shape a deeper understanding of the continent’s complexities and opportunities,” said Mnukwa.
Cornish’s impact was felt deeply by his colleagues in the media. Ray White, a former colleague at 702, remembered Cornish as a quick-witted storyteller and an all-round journalist.
“JJ was my morning connection to news from the continent. His quick wit and masterful storytelling were highlights of my drive to work. I first became aware of him during my time at the SABC when I would listen to 702 for updates. Later, when I joined Eyewitness News (EWN), I had the privilege of working with this legend. I still miss those phone calls—always filled with laughter and professionalism. I hope we will continue those conversations one day, beyond the clouds,” said White.
John Robbie, a former morning talk-show host at 702, paid tribute to Cornish while marvelling at his intelligence, principles, and humour.
“JJ was a remarkable journalist with a unique gift for making news—whether complex or simple—engaging and compelling, without exaggeration or hyperbole. He loved Africa and South Africa deeply, along with all its people. He was an absolute professional. I loved him to bits,” said Robbie.
Robbie also reflected on a difficult period when management at 702 decided to replace Cornish on ‘The Africa Report’.
“It was handled very clumsily. I was against the move and was instructed not to discuss it until the announcement. I promised JJ we would share a beer someday, and I would tell him the full story. Now, that day will never come,” Robbie lamented.
SANEF Council member Amina Frense-Kasrils described Cornish as a wonderful role model with sound insights on numerous subjects.
Veteran editor Peter Fabricius said JJ was an institution in SA journalism and the doyen of South African diplomatic correspondents.
“He had been reporting SA’s foreign relations since the 1970s and could later regale his audiences with amusing ales of the exploits of foreign minister Pik Botha berating apartheid SA’s enemies at the United Nations, etc. He later covered the sometimes-unexpected foreign relations of the new ANC government for Independent Newspapers during the 1990s, including President Mandela’s reluctance to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China, as well as summits of the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement and the like as the new SA emerged from its long isolation and opened up to the world.”
“From the turn of the century JJ moved into radio journalism and with his wit and gift of the gab, he was ideal for that medium. And with his charm and eloquence he could easily have been an ambassador himself. But beneath the charm, lay a deep knowledge of empathy with Africa, strong principles, and a sympathy for the underdog. On a few occasions, for example, he clashed publicly with Moroccan diplomats because of his strong advocacy of the cause of Western Saharan independence,” Fabricius said.
SANEF sends its condolences to JJ’s family and wide circle of proud colleagues and friends. His legacy as a trailblazing journalist, storyteller, and advocate for African affairs will continue to inspire generations to come.
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:
Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer General (073) 404-1415
Makhudu Sefara – Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
Sisanda Nkoala – SANEF Western Cape Convenor
Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sanef.org.za
The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring Newzroom Afrika anchor, Naledi Moleo, Bianca Dormuth, from the German Embassy, Sanef’s Treasurer-General and EWN Editor-at-Large, Sbu Ngalwa, MMA’s director William Bird, and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong. The panel explored issues related to journalists’ safety, independent media, investment, and the Media Freedom Coalition.
