Obituaries

16 January 2024

It is with a sad and heavy heart that the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) announces the passing of a dear colleague, friend and veteran publisher, Octavia Elsie Hlungwani (Ngondo). She was the publisher of Phofula Golden Highway Voice.

Octavia passed away on Wednesday, the 10th of January 2024 at her home in Ennerdale, Johannesburg after a short illness.

We will remember her for being a fearless community print media activist, a dedicated publisher and tireless AIP board member, representing Gauteng.

Mbali Dhlomo, Chairperson of AIP stated, “The passing of Sisi Octavia came as a huge shock to most of us. It really caught us off-guard. In her duties as an AIP board member, Sisi Octavia was in the forefront in our quest for sustainability of the community print media sector. She always went the extra mile and, in most instances, went well beyond expectations. No task was too big or too hard for her. So, as we deal with this sad loss and mourn her passing, let us also celebrate her life and her achievements because she was one of a kind.”

Kate Skinner, Executive Director of the AIP, said, “Sisi Octavia was a larger-than-life person. She was a whirlwind of energy and purpose. She was someone who could get things done. She spoke her mind, but this was coupled with a deep warmth and kindness”.

Reggy Moalusi, SANEF Executive Director described Octavia’s passing as “a huge loss” to the media fraternity. “She played a key role across community media in Gauteng. Her contribution, and sharp mind, will be sorely missed,” he said.

Latiefa Mobara, Executive Director of the Press Council, said, “It is with great sadness that the Press Council of SA notes the sudden passing of Sisi Octavia Elsie Hlungwani (Ngondo).

As a publisher and member of the AIP, Sisi Octavia will be remembered for her enormous contribution to the creation and development of diverse voices in the publishing industry. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues”.

Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board, added, “Octavia’s enthusiastic contribution to the work of the Advertising Regulatory Board as a board member will be missed. She was one of the newer members of our Board and had already made her mark as an involved and thoughtful contributor to our industry.”

Sisi Octavia is survived by her husband, Magezi Mackson Hlungwani, her daughter, Nompumelelo Mkhonza, her son, Nyandayeyo Hlungwani, and her three grandchildren.

Memorial details:

Date: Wednesday 17 January 2024

Time: 12pm

Venue: Caxton Offices, 14 Wright Street, Industria West

Funeral details to be confirmed:

Date: Saturday 20 January 2024 in Ennerdale.

For more information please contact:

• Mbali Dhlomo – AIP Chairperson – 083 466 0027
• Kate Skinner – AIP Executive Director – 082 926 6404
• Dunisani Ntsanwisi – AIP Provincial Chairperson for Limpopo and Sanef’s Community Media Chairperson – 073 981 8649

01 January 2024

It is with deep sorrow that the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has learnt of the passing of the iconic South African photojournalist, Peter Magubane. Today, Magubane peacefully departed from this world at his home, surrounded by his family – as confirmed by his daughter Fikile Magubane.

Dr. Peter Magubane, a giant in the field of photojournalism and a multi-award winner including the Nat Nakasa Award for courageous Journalism, will forever be remembered as one of the courageous journalists who defiantly opposed the apartheid regime in South Africa. Throughout the oppressive years of apartheid, he faced harassment, beatings, buckshot wounds, and prolonged periods of interrogation and detention.

Remarkably, he survived being shot seventeen times at a student’s funeral in Natalspruit, Gauteng Province and endured over 586 days in solitary confinement in 1969.

Magubane’s resistance was not only evident in his actions but also in his creative methods of capturing the truth. He ingeniously hid his camera in a hollowed-out Bible, firing with a cable release from his pocket. On other occasions, he covertly took shots with his camera concealed beneath his jacket, inside a milk carton, or half a loaf of bread, pretending to eat while documenting crucial moments.

Internationally, Magubane showcased his photographic talent in London during the early 1960s and worked as a correspondent for Time magazine between 1978 and 1980. In 1980, he temporarily left South Africa for New York. His contributions extended to major publications such as National Geographic, Life, New York Times, Washington Post, Paris Match, and Sports Illustrated. Additionally, the United Nations benefitted from his lens through commissions from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and UNICEF.

Magubane’s legacy includes documenting the lives of influential figures such as Nelson Mandela. His association with Mandela and Winnie Mandela dates back to the 1950s, both as friends and in his professional capacity as a photographer. Magubane served as Madiba’s official photographer from his release until his early years in the Presidency.

Among his numerous honours, Magubane considered the South African Order of Meritorious Service Silver Class II, bestowed upon him by President Nelson Mandela, as his greatest. He received the American National Professional Photographers Association Humanistic Award for intervening to prevent violence and became the first black South African to win Press Photo of the Year in 1958.

After the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Magubane redirected his lens towards capturing the complexities of tribal and territorial conflicts, as well as the cultural traditions of post-democratic South Africa. With nine honorary doctorates and accolades including the Cornel Cappa Lifetime Achievement Award, the Robert Capa Award, and the Martin Luther King Luthuli Award, Magubane’s impact on journalism and photography is unparalleled.

He twice exhibited his most iconic images of Nelson Mandela, with the first held at a United Nations gathering in Poland, opened by former Polish President Lech Walesa. The second exhibition took place from 1 July to 30 September 2018 at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, where these images were gifted to the Nelson Mandela Foundation by Dr. Magubane.

Dr. Peter Magubane’s indomitable spirit, courage, and exceptional contributions to journalism will be sorely missed. SANEF extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire media fraternity during this time of profound loss.

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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

• Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
• Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
• Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
• Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223-0621
• Makhudu Sefara – SANEF 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
• Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened by the untimely passing of two seasoned journalists, Jermaine Craig and Jeffrey Zikhali.

Jermaine’s family confirmed that he collapsed while at the gym on Monday, 4 December 2023. He was rushed to the Sandton Medi Clinic so that he can be assisted, where all efforts failed. SANEF, and the entire media industry, passes its condolences to the Michelle, the children, friends and colleagues, and the rest of the Craig family.

Tshamano Makhadi, SANEF’s Treasurer General, said: “I met Jermaine in the early 2000s while working for eNCA, he was at The Star, and we would regularly exchange notes.

“In 2003, Jermaine was assigned to cover the fight between boxers Floyd Mayweather and Phillip Ndou in Michigan, US. This was a big boxing bout of the two champions who were a mirror of each other – born the same year and attended their first Olympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta in the presence of Mohammad Ali.”

“It was a big showdown with Phillip receiving the backing of eminent persons like President Nelson Mandela, George Foreman, Sylvester Stallone, and many others. This fight would have changed the fortunes of SA’s boxing with Phillip already tipped for the HBO contract. Jermaine knew all of this and was the only SA journalist on that trip…  He had all access to both camps and A-listers in the US,” recalled Makhadi.

Makhadi continued: “I called Jermaine last year to discuss a documentary film I was working on that involves Phillip and Floyd. He availed himself for research and as a character to tell the story.

“Production has just concluded, and he is featured as one of the key characters to drive the story. The doccie is scheduled for TX in January 2024,” Makhadi concluded.

Themba Sepotokele, a former journalist and member of the Press Council, remembers Jermaine as one of the “approachable and affable” colleagues in the media.

Sepotokele said he was the alma mater at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, formerly Peninsula Technikon. He later joined Saturday Star as a soccer writer. “He frequently visited The Star newsroom to chat about developments around football. Together with another brilliant writer, Matshelane Mamabolo, they brought life into football writing for Independent Media,” Sepotokele said.

“For some reason, we referred to each other as “Sbali”, brother-in-law … we later crossed paths during the 2010 FIFA World Cup showpiece, the first to be held on African soil,” he recalled.

Sepotokele worked closely with Jermaine as part of the Gauteng 2010 Communications Team, and he was working with veteran journalist Ray Mkhondo in profiling the World Cup on behalf of the Local Organising Committee.

“Throughout his career, Jermaine remained grounded and his passion for football saw him land different positions,” Sepotokele said.

SANEF has also heard of the sad, brutal killing of Jeffrey Zikhali (59), the former eNCA and SABC sports anchor journalist. Jeffrey was killed during the weekend during an alleged hijacking in Ndabayakhe, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Jeffrey was also a former government communicator.

SANEF extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues within the industry.

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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

• Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
• Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
• Prof Glenda Daniels – SANEF Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
• Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
• Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
• Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
• Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
• Heather Robertson – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 3085618
• Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
• Asanda Ngoasheng – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (082) 610 9374
• Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

16 November 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the sad passing of veteran sports editor and author, Sello Rabothata. He was 68.

Rabothata was a renowned soccer writer who has over the decades written for several print publications, in the process establishing himself as an authoritative voice when it came to everything South African football.

Soccer leaders, and players of yesteryear, held Rabothata in high esteem for his frank, straightforward writing over the decades.

Rabothata was the author of Solomon “Stix” Morewa: The Rise and Fall.  The book was published a few months back.

SANEF appreciates that over the years Rabothata worked tirelessly in nurturing the next generation of soccer writers, who to this day are established and continue to hold the fort.

Molefi Mika, author, and former sports editor at The Sowetan who worked with Rabothata for several years, said: “We’ll remember Sello, as one of the best both in general news and sports with loads of experience and a dedicated leader (news editor and later sports editor).

“The football fraternity should also thank him for having a hand in attracting fans to rally behind our national team at the time it was referred to as “The 4x4s”. He did this when he agreed with me that we should call the team Bafana Bafana, something that was also endorsed by S’busiso Mseleku. The rest is history to borrow this weather-beaten phrase.

“In case Sello, like all of us human beings he at some stage upset some people I ask that he should be forgiven as I believe by now, he has long pardoned those who had also hurt him. Condolences to the Rabothata family, friends, and former colleagues.”

Kgomotso Mokoena, sports editor at Sunday World, said: “Some of us who arrived in the industry in the early 2000s, walked right into the arms of Bra Sello who was already an icon and a doyen of sports writing. I mean, I grew up reading his articles and columns in the Sowetan when I was still in school. He was also a friend to my uncles in Wattville, Benoni, and every time I met him, I saw a giant in journalism. I simply wanted to be like him.

“And when I finally got a chance, he welcomed me with open arms and showed me the ropes. He was happy to work with us lightweights and spent a lot of his time imparting his knowledge. He was a robust, no-nonsense journalist who respected his craft. He was feared and loved by those meant to be answerable and accountable. This is a huge loss to the football fraternity, most especially the SA senior national team, as he was one of the “Three Musketeers” to have coined the phrase Bafana Bafana, together with the late S’busiso Mseleku and Molefi Mika at Sowetan newspaper in the early 1990s.”

Mathews Mpete, former sports editor at Daily Sun: “Rabothata ushered some of us into the field of sports journalism, a catalyst of hope that I’m destined for greater things in the industry. I started working with him in 2000, and at the time, I was still a junior in sports reporting, coming from an entertainment section. When I joined the Sowetan as a freelancer, the then sports editor, Mika, was out of the office, and he was on the desk.

“My writing at the time wasn’t as sharp as it should have been, but he wasn’t as harsh as any other editor would have been seeing such an atrocious copy. He made me rewrite the story, of course, with guidance and direction. He was at times temperamental for a good reason and even guided us on how to conduct ourselves as a Sowetan journalist. From there onwards, I looked forward to working with him on Sundays, as he alternated the day with Mika. Often, he would make time to call me and advise me on the previous story. Fast forward to 2019, just before the Covid-19, I would still get his calls, introducing himself with a rich baritone voice: “Mateo, what’s this you’ve written?”

Rabothata still behaved like my superior over a decade after I officially stopped working with him. He would touch base with me, despite being on retirement, giving me story leads while I was still at the Daily Sun. He was an avid fan of my work and even suggested other things that would make me bigger in the game. May his soul find peace, he’s served his dues, and we’re here today to bear testimony of his work.”

 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

• Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
• Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
• Qaanitah Hunter – SANEF Secretary-General
• Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
• Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
• Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
• Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
• Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
• Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

23 August 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Derek Watts, a true icon of investigative journalism and a beloved anchor of the renowned programme, Carte Blanche.

Watts, who had been an instrumental figure in shaping the landscape of journalism in South Africa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his loved ones, according to his employer Mnet.

SANEF chairperson Sbu Ngalwa said: “As the face of Carte Blanche for many years, Watts was not only an exceptional journalist but also a guiding light in the pursuit of truth and transparency. His dedication to uncovering stories of immense importance and relevance to the South African public garnered him immense respect and admiration from colleagues and viewers alike. His distinctive voice and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity has left an indelible mark on the industry.”

Karyn Maughan of News24 wrote, “A gentle giant has left us. Rest In Peace Derek Watts. Thank you for the way you led your life and your incredible journalism. Thank you for being brave and kind. And thank you for always believing that things should be better. You blessed us all.”

The Carte Blanche family wrote that it mourns the loss of this legendary figure. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Derek Watts’ wife, children, and loved ones during this grim time of bereavement. We understand the depth of their loss and share in their grief.”

Katy Katopodis, SANEF’s Wellness and Safety Committee chairperson described Watts as- a television and broadcasting legend in South Africa. She recalled how she loved hosting the Oscar Pistorius Trial Channel with Derek.

“He was warm, welcoming, and charming … always encouraging me and making me feel like I belonged even when the odd moment of “imposter syndrome” crept in as I made my TV debut,” she said.

“We made television history during those days as Carte Blanche and EWN were granted permission to broadcast court proceedings live. It was an honour and a privilege to be a part of a team that included Derek. In later years, Derek played a key role on the Adcock Ingram Brave Journalism Awards, and we were able to work together again. He will be missed,” Katopodis said.

His former colleagues and 702 breakfast show anchor, Bongani Bingwa, described Watts as “One of the kindest, most generous professionals”.

He said “the room disappeared when he spoke to you. Even as a colleague, he made me feel like I was Mother Theresa. Condolences to Belinda and his children, Tyrone, and Kirstin.”

Derek Watts will forever be remembered not only as an exceptional journalist but also as a mentor and role model to many aspiring journalists. His contribution to investigative journalism has left an enduring legacy, inspiring others to continue his mission of uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable.

SANEF extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, colleagues, and viewers whose lives were touched by Derek Watts. We stand united in celebrating his remarkable career and legacy that will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of journalists and audiences for 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

• Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
• Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
• Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
• Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
• Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
• Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
• Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
• Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
• Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

31 May 2023

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened by the sudden death of political analyst, journalist, broadcaster and debater, Eusebius McKaiser – after he suffered a suspected epileptic seizure.

McKaiser was born in Grahamstown, 45 years ago, enrolled at Rhodes University in 1997 for a BA in law and philosophy, then an Honours and Master’s degree in philosophy, graduating with distinction.

He made his mark as a political activist and an associate political and social analyst at the Wits Centre for Ethics where he participated in research that examined the relationship between civil society and the state in the policy arena, particularly in the light of the changing post-Polokwane political landscape.

His pen contributed to the New York Times, Business Day, Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, Sunday Independent, City Press, Newsweek International, BBC Focus on Africa, The New Republic, Financial Mail, and Destiny Man, among others. He also hosted a weekly politics and morality talk show on Talk Radio 702, the Talk at Nine Show, and he presented on Interface on SABC3.

SANEF Chairperson Sbu Ngalwa said McKaiser will be missed for his sharp intellect and contribution to the thought leadership discourse in South Africa and beyond.

“He held very strong views that he could actually back up. You just had to admire his mind whether you agreed with him or not.

“He was not shy to challenge anyone, including journalists – pointing out double standards and raising ethical issues. He really made one to sit up and take notice or to check their blind-spots. He made a huge contribution to the South African media landscape We are poorer without him,” said Ngalwa.

Makhudu Sefara, TimesLIVE Editor and Deputy Editor at Sunday Times said: “As a resident analyst on TimesLIVE, McKaiser’s analysis of our country’s political economy and understanding of geopolitics was a cut above the rest. While frustrated by the paucity of depth in our politics, he, like all patriots, believed our hope was in holding those in power to account through the pen or the mic.”

Glenda Daniels, SANEF Gauteng convenor who knew him, said: “Besides the huge loss of his democratic and fearless mind, which South Africa needs so much, I will miss going to his book launches, ones he wrote, and to his other events where he was the discussant; he was a great supporter of other local writers, and he gave the biggest and warmest hugs imaginable.”

Moshoeshoe Monare, Group Executive for News and Current Affairs at the SABC said he felt devastated and heartbroken by the news of McKaiser’s passing.

“Eusebius was one of South Africa’s public intellectuals who contributed to the public broadcaster’s mission to reflect the diversity of opinions and our culture of openly debating our differences. We will remember his courage to express unpopular views,” said Monare.

“A people’s intellectual always on the side of the vulnerable, unashamedly so,” said Thabo Shole-Mashao, broadcaster and close friend.

SANEF sends condolences to the families of this broadcasting giant, and his colleagues. His passing on is a great loss to the media fraternity, and he will be sorely missed.

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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

• Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
• Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
• Qaanitah Hunter – SANEF Secretary-General
• Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
• Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
• Katy Katopodis – Wellness & Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
• Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
• Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
• Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
• Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695