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SANEF Mourns the Death of Veteran Court Reporter Ilse de Lange

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened to hear of the passing on of veteran court reporter Ilse de Lange who lost her long-time battle to cancer on Wednesday.

She was a journalist for 33 years spending most of her career at The Citizen Newspaper as a high court reporter. She was known and respected for her brilliant court reporting skills.
Amanda Watson, The Citizen news editor said: “Ilse was a hardcore journalist. When she started her third round of chemo in mid-2018, she would go for treatment in the morning, then proceed to court afterwards. And so, it continued later that year again and throughout 2019 until she was medically boarded.”

“Ilse never gave up, apart from her family, her work was her life, and she loved what she did. Ilse left big shoes for all of us to fill,” Watson said.
Her friends and many journalists she mentored described her as an “unsung hero of journalism” in this country.

Her friend and former colleague Alex Mitchely wrote: “Her work ethic was unmatched, and she had the innate ability to break down complex court cases for her readers to understand.”
“I remember how during the Oscar Trial she kept churning out great stories, this (even though) she was in the midst of her battle with cancer.”

“Her door was always open to younger journalists and was more than happy to show us the ropes of court reporting … I will miss her, but she is no longer in pain,” Mitchely wrote.
SANEF extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Saddened by Deaths of Journalists

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“Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them,” said George Eliot, an English journalist, poet, novelist, and translator. What Eliot said certainly resonates with us as the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), as we once more note the untimely passing of three journalists.

SANEF would like to send its condolences to the families, colleagues, friends of Ragani Achary, Ivor Powell, and Glacier Nkhwashu. Achary is a veteran broadcast journalist, Powell is a veteran print journalist and Nkhwashu is a print journalist.

Achary passed on due to Covid-19 complications, Powell passed on after a short illness while Nkhwashu was hit and killed by a truck on Wednesday in Modjadji, Limpopo.

Ragani Achary

Achary (48), Head of News at Hot 102.7 FM, worked for television stations such as eNCA and SABC. She is well-respected within broadcast media and for the nurturing of young reporters. Achary also worked for various radio stations, such as Capital radio 604.

Mary Papayya, SANEF’s Media Freedom chairperson, said: “I have known Rags, as we fondly called, her for nearly thirty years. She was one of the finest broadcast journalists of our time. Her loss leaves a huge gap. When I was her editor at East Coast Radio, she was one of the most hard-working senior journalists on the team.

“Rags had a flair for telling stories of human interest – from urban to rural and live reporting was her favourite. She was once severely injured during a protest, shielding an innocent bystander. Bleeding in the face, she still filed her story until instructed to seek medical attention from the nearby paramedics.

“She was a brave woman and had overcome personal tragedy and so many life challenges in her career. She loved mentoring the young interns with great passion, a task many senior journalists in the newsroom would not undertake. Condolences to her family and all who knew her.”

Ivor Powell

Powell started his career as an arts journalist with the then Weekly Mail, managing to write a piece in the paper’s first edition in 1985. Years later, Powell started to write more investigative pieces, with the first being the exposure of death squads. Powell continued being an investigative reporter at The Star in the early 1990s, he then went on to join Vrye Weekblad. Powell has also worked for the then Scorpions in the early 2000s.

Powell was credited with being the first journalist to break the arms deal story. He also worked for publications such as Mail & Guardian and as head of investigations at Independent Newspapers.

Glacier Nkhwashu

Nkhwashu worked for titles such as Daily Sun, Sowetan, Opera News and The South African. She also had a stint working with the Congress of the People.

When she passed on, she was back as a freelance journalist for Daily Sun, based in Limpopo. While with Daily Sun during her first stint, she won the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Award and was a Media24 Legends Award winner.

Mapula Nkosi, Daily Sun Editor-in-Chief, said: “What a talented storyteller Glacier was. A consummate professional. She had an amazing knack of digging out unique human-interest stories that in the newsrooms we simply call gems. When out on a story, she did not need any briefing as she would cover all the basics making sure that where she has passed there were no crumbs left for any other writer to pick up. We are thinking of her family in this difficult time. During such a huge loss and sorrow, our deepest sympathies go out to them.”

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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

 

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Sends Its Condolences on the Passing of Sidwell Medupe

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We have learnt with heavy hearts the news of the passing of Sidwell Molantoa Medupe, the spokesperson for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). Sidwell passed away due to Covid-19 complications.

He worked closely with members of the media and was one of the dependable government communicators.

As the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) we join other colleagues in sending our condolences to the Medupe family, his friends, and government colleagues on the sudden loss of Sidwell.

Sidwell started his career with the SABC, before he left the public broadcaster to join the North West department of Public Works. SANEF members work closely with government communicators, hence our sense of loss at the passing of Sidwell.

Puleng Magape, Gauteng Assignment Editor at the SABC, said: “I worked with Sidwell in 1996 at the SABC in Weavind Park, Pretoria. He joined us on the 1st of June 1996 as a journalist. I remember him as a hardworking reporter who was not discouraged by the then editors who didn’t like his heavy slow voice.

“He fought tooth and nail to be on air and he did very well.

He covered lots of protest stories in Pretoria’s townships and had a passion for development stories too. Sidwell was very humble, patient, and diligent. We interacted a lot with him as a spokesperson after he left SABC. I will miss his daily spiritual messages which he used to send to me without fail. May he rest in peace,” said Magape.

SABC’s Economics Reporter, Liabo Setho, said: “What a shock to learn of Sidwell’s passing. For many years I have leaned on his support and professionalism as spokesperson of the dtic, which he carried out with grace and diligence always. It was always reassuring that we as reporters could easily get hold of him to arrange for an urgent comment or to ‘ask a quick question’.

“This is a deep loss for us media professionals. Sidwell will always be remembered for the softness in his voice, his friendly nature and non-aggressive persuasion, a perfect example of an exceptional communicator. Robala ka Kagiso Motho omontle!”

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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

 

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Mourns The Death of Four Journalists

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened that the deadly Covid-19 pandemic continues to claim more journalist’s lives. We are mourning the death of four- specialist colleagues who excelled in their craft.

SANEF has learnt with great sadness of the passing of former SABC football analyst Coudjoe Amankwaa who died last Friday, Business Report (BR) journalist, Sandile Mchunu, former Daily Sun journalist, Sonqoba Kunene, died on Sunday. On Thursday morning, we learnt of the passing of Khopotso Bodibe, a former producer on SAFM, and later Health-E news died during the week.

Sandile Mchunu

Sandile died at the weekend after experiencing chest pains and couldn’t breathe. For days, he couldn’t get access to a doctor and when he finally managed to, he was immediately admitted to the hospital.

His colleagues described Sandile as a young, reliable, and totally dependable company reporter.

“A humble man, but always positive, a gentle soul, with a lovely laugh that brightened our days here at BR – no matter the prevailing environment. Always willing to go the extra mile, he had a bright future ahead of him. We journalists tend to be desk-bound and lazy. However, Sandile, with his thirst for life, ran the comrades. We were proud of him in his endeavours – on the road and off it. Never in a million thoughts, did I believe his light would be extinguished so soon – too soon,” wrote Philippa Larkin.

Sonqoba Kunene

Former Daily Sun journalist Sonqoba Kunene died last Sunday due to Covid-19 related complications following a week-long hospitalisation, according to information shared by his brother, Siyabonga.

He worked for Daily Sun as a journalist for over a decade reporting on news and politics. He also contributed articles to the Sedibeng Ster in the Vaal. At the time of his death, he was in the communications department of the Emfuleni Municipality.

Mapula Nkosi, Daily Sun’s Editor-in-Chief said: “The devastation of the coronavirus’ third wave has been felt deeply in the Daily Sun newsroom with the passing of former colleague Sonqoba less than two weeks after another SunMan Muntu Nkosi who was buried on July 16.”

“At such a young and productive age, his death leaves us bereft. It also leaves journalism poorer as we still looked forward to Sonqoba’s contribution. Our deepest condolences go out to his family,”

Coudjoe Amankwaa

Coudjoe died last Friday last week. SA Football Association (Safa) stakeholder relations director, Dominic Chimhavi, said Coudjoe from a cardiac arrest.

Born in Ghana, though he was a naturalised South African at the time of his death, Coudjoe was rushed to Sandton’s Mediclinic when he “couldn’t wake up for supper and upon arrival at the hospital he was declared dead”, Dominic said via WhatsApp on Friday night.

Dominic said Coudjoe will be remembered as having been an affable, approachable member of the SA football community. “He came to SA in 1994 and started working for Sowetan. And then he joined the Citizen, and from the Citizen, he joined the SABC.

“I am writing this with a heavy heart… Our friend, colleague and fellow, football lover, Coudjoe has suddenly passed away this evening. He was truly loved and was known as ‘Malume’. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. I miss you already.” Tweeted Christophe Bongo, who had worked on SABC TV with Coudjoe, including on the hugely popular weekly SoccerZone show.

Khopotso Bodibe

Khopotso was regional programmes unit media and communications specialist for Sisonke gender justice also died this week of Covid-19 related complications.

Many journalists will remember him when he was a producer on SAFM and later Health-E news. He continued finding and reporting on health-related stories and address mental illness among other challenging topics weekly on Channel Africa on Tuesdays. He produced his ground-breaking programme “Living with HIV” package which was broadcast in more than one language on SABC radio stations and community radio.

Go well, Khops – thanks for the love and the hugs and for always fighting the good fight. The world is a poorer place. I know wherever you are, you will be the snappiest dresser. I hope you know how loved you were. Rest in peace “my liefie,” wrote Anso Thom, Health-e colleague and friend.

Mpiwa Mangwiro, his colleague at Sonke Gender Justice said: “I am personally indebted for his support in doing my advocacy work in the region. Many times, he helped profile and illuminate those efforts and constantly gave advice on what could be done better. It is unbelievable that he is gone. You ran your race so well. The beautiful memories we shared will remain dear in my heart.”

Kerry Cullinan, former editor of Health-e-News Service described Khopotso as a man of principle, dignity and honour who loved humanity deeply. “May we honour him in return and never forget his contribution to the struggle for justice in the health sector.”

SANEF expresses its heartfelt condolences to their family and the media fraternity. They will live on in the hearts of those they touched, for nothing loved is ever lost. Their zest for life will be missed. May their dear 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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Mourns the Death of Saint P Molakeng

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) would like to pass on its condolences to the family, friends and former journalist, Saint Papa Molakeng. He was 51.

Molakeng was a revered wordsmith who build a reputation over the years not only as an excellent writer, but also as a thinker widely respected by his colleagues and industry peers. Molakeng passed away due to diabetic complications last Saturday.

In tributes since his passing, various friends have described Molakeng as well read, insightful, articulate and an outstanding talent that had his way with words.

Sandile Memela, a close friend, former journalist and editor, said: “Molakeng was one of the most talented and highly skilled journalists in the country. I first met him around 1986/7 when his fascinating writing jumped off the pages of political magazine, Frontline.

“He was an insightful and articulate voice who was able to say the obvious things in the most extra-ordinary way.  Essentially, it was his outstanding talent and skill that made people to notice him.

Memela said after Molakeng graduated from Wits University, he was adopted and groomed by iconic legends in the media like Dennis Becket at Frontline and Aggrey Klaaste at the Sowetan.

He said Molakeng was a shy, humble, and self-effacing intellectual writer whose versatile talent saw him excel in analytical commentary on entertainment, profile features, general news, and current affairs.

The journalism fraternity – both print and broadcasting – has lost a devoted and committed media professional who let his talent do the talking.

Mcelwa Nchabeleng, Sowetan’s Night Editor, described Molakeng as a journalist par excellence. “He mastered the English language as if it were his mother tongue and that reflected in his writing. What a gentleman Saint was, and he was always there to assist colleague in the newsroom.

“I was based at the Polokwane office, but I used to interact with Molakeng at the head office in Johannesburg and talk about a variety of issues that affect us. A calm and intelligent man with great ideas. Journalism is poorer without him. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Nchabeleng said.

Molakeng worked at newspapers such as Weekly Mail, New Nation, New Age, and Sowetan and magazines, True Love and Drum magazines.

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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Mourns the Death of Veteran Journalist and Editor Sechaba ka Nkosi

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the death of veteran journalist, Sechaba ka Nkosi, who found dead in his home on Wednesday, 14 July 2021.

Sechaba, who was the deputy editor of Business Report, cut his journalistic teeth in the anti-apartheid alternative press before joining the SABC as a labour reporter in the early 1990s. He also had a stint with the Congress of South African Trade Unions, where he was one of the trade union federation’s communicators. He would then go on to work for several major newspapers, including the Sunday Times and Business Report in reporting and management capacities.

His friends fondly called him the native of the East Rand, now Ekurhuleni. He was an active member of the Congress of South African Students and the South African Youth Congress in the and 1980s and in media organisations. He served in leadership roles in the Association of Democratic Journalists, the SA Union of Journalists and the Forum of Black Journalists.

His friend, Mondli Makhanya, City Press’ Editor-in-Chief, said: “Sechaba will be missed for his big heart, his massive laughter and his stubborn argumentative nature when it came to deep political debates. As the media fraternity, we will miss an important voice that enriched the South African conversation. It is a pity he passed on before his beloved Kaizer Chiefs was to take part in the final of the CAF African Champions League.”

Sechaba was more than just a journalist. His journalism was infused with an activist spirit. Having grown during the turbulent 1980s and taken part in the liberation struggle, his commitment to the values of democratic South Africa was second to none. This shone through in the exposes he wrote and the opinion and analyses he penned. He cared deeply about the quality of democracy and the persistent inequality.

Mary Papayya, SANE’s Media Freedom committee chairperson, described him as a ‘brilliant writer and thinker’. “He had a sharp mind and acute political insights and where the environment allowed it, he was masterful in his analysis. He wore many hats during his more than three decades of contribution to journalism – from political reporter, business reporter through to business editor. His loss will be deeply felt.”

Adri Senekal de Wet, Executive Editor of Business Report and Personal Finance, described him as a pillar of strength to the team.

She wrote in the Business Report: “Under your wing, many young reporters became stars, some became editors; you allowed them to fly high. We will look at the sky every night and find the brightest one.”

Senekal said he will be remembered for his professional integrity, dedication to the craft of great journalism, and his in-depth analysis of the economy, and his passion for leading and guiding the youth.

SANEF expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family and the media fraternity. May his dear 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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Mourns the Untimely Death of Two Journalists

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The South African National Editors’ Forum mourns the untimely deaths of the Daily Sun photographer and former Phala-Phala FM presenter. Daily Sun freelance photographer, Muntu Sam Nkosi, passed away at his home on Saturday 10 July as well as Media personality, radio presenter, and script writer Martha Makhela, (58) died on July 5th, 2021, at her home in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Muntu Nkosi

Nkosi (58) died from Covid-related complications shortly after he had shared the news of his Covid-19 status in a spirited tweet two weeks ago in his home in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni.

His colleagues described him as a jovial and passionate storyteller about township life and was well versed in covering human interest stories around Ekurhuleni. He worked the streets, informal settlements, and townships with much aplomb with our various reporters.

Daily Sun’s editor in-chief, Mapula Nkosi, said the newsroom will be poorer without Nkosi who worked for the paper for 14 years since 2002 and continued to work as a freelancer.

“Muntu was one of the most humble and soft-spoken colleagues in the newsroom. His eyes would always light up and he would start engaging jovially when he had to go out in the field to tell stories. We are still in shock about his passing. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

Stephens Molobi, who worked very closely with Muntu, said: “I was lost for words when I heard of his passing. We were a super tag team in Ekurhuleni.  He was full of life and always made work seem easy with his strong contacts.”

Ntebatse Masipa, another reporter who worked closely with Muntu, said she will miss debating story angles with him. “I loved working with him.”

Martha Makhela

Makhela began her career as a receptionist in Venda, became a teacher at School of Tomorrow in Shayandima and then became an award-winning presenter at the SABC’s Phala-Phala FM (then Radio Venda) in 1994 where she worked for 15 years.

Her friends described her as a trailblazer in the industry, inspiring others to thrive in their lives. She was responsible for the creation of several award-winning shows such as Nne na Vhone, Ndevhe Tsini and Learners Support. She left the station in 2010 to empower and unearth talent at various community radio stations in the district.

She was considered a mother to many and a beloved member of the community. She is survived by four children and three grandchildren.

SANEF expresses its heartfelt condolences to both the Nkosi and Makhela families. May their dear souls 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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Bids Farewell to Another Veteran Journalist

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The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened by the death of KZN veteran Editor Clement Ntombela (75). Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Ntombela fondly remembered as “Clem” to most of his family and friends, died yesterday morning at his home in Westville Durban, after health-related complications. He had just returned home after a brief stay in hospital and was surrounded by his family when he passed on. He is survived by his wife Joyce, his two sons, a grand-child, two sisters and a brother.

He was an Editor at various print and broadcast outlets in KZN, including Regional Editor at the SABC KZN, Editor of the Daily News, Ilanga newspaper and Drum Magazine.

Family spokesperson Lorraine Gumede said he was loved by so many and will be dearly missed. “He was a larger-than life family man and a loyal friend. He was loving to his wife and children and the extended family. A person of great heart who was willing to go the extra mile to help anyone who needed help. He loved his work in media, but he also cared deeply about his community and helped where he could.” His funeral is scheduled for next Thursday, 8 July.

SANEF KZN Regional Convener Judy Sandison described Ntombela as a “thoroughly nice guy”. “Clem was a great writer and worked with me as part of the new regional news structure when we were transforming radio news in KZN in the early 90’s. He was a pioneer as the first Zulu-speaking editor in the province. In the early 90s he was a news leader who always played a role of unity. He gave equal coverage and respect to all the warring factions in the province – the ANC, IFP and UDM at the time”.

SANEF Media Freedom Chair Mary Papayya described Ntombela as a colleague who was always calm and collected. “He was a kind person, unassuming and an incredibly tolerant newsroom leader. We both found common ground when we had to tackle issues of transformation in the newsroom, especially in current affairs and the news narrative. We shared a lot in common having worked in print and broadcasting and together with other like mind editors tackled issues of race, transformation, and a changing media landscape in the late 80s and early 90s on various platforms.”

Former SABC Regional Editor & News Editor Nhlakanipho Zulu described Ntombela as someone who worked with “reputable editors who were not only editors but activists to dismantle apartheid”. “He shared the stage with the likes of Prof Phil Mthimkhulu, Obed Kunene, Subry Govender and many others of his generation. During the violence in KZN of the 1980s and 1990s in KZN he guided our newsroom with distinctive leadership.”

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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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SANEF Mourns the Death of Three Journalists Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the death of three journalists this week from Covid-19 complications as the third wave of the global coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep across South Africa.

SANEF has learnt with great sadness of the passing of SABC journalist, Moabi Litheko, eNCA’s former output editor, Celeste Phillips, and Primedia’s technical manager, Dan Maswanganye.

Their death is truly unfortunate as it happened in the same week that the National Covid Command Centre agreed to get media houses registered so that journalists could be vaccinated within the next few days.

Maswanganye, popularly referred to as Bra Dan, passed away in hospital on Tuesday night due to Covid-19 complications. Respected and adored, Bra Dan has been described by industry peers, both young and old, as a consummate professional who was warm, welcoming and had an infectious laugh.

He worked at Primedia Broadcasting for 37 years and leaves behind his wife and children.

SANEF’s Gauteng Convener, Katy Katopodis worked with Maswanganye for over 20 years.

“Bra Dan was an institution and so well loved and respected by everyone he worked with. He was such a kind, fatherly figure who always made time for everyone around him. He will be so sorely missed.”

On Wednesday, the SABC sadly announced the passing of bulletin writer for the Sesotho Television News Bulletin, Moabi Litheko. He was admitted to Flora Clinic to receive treatment for Covid-19 complications.

The SABC’s Group Executive: News and Current Affairs, Phathiswa Magopeni said their prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues, mostly those he worked closely with on the desk.

Celeste Phillips, formerly an output editor at eNCA, also passed on from Covid-19 complications on Wednesday and is survived by her husband and two young children.

Asanda Ngoasheng, SANEF’s Western Cape Convenor, described Celeste as a kind and beautiful soul, always full of jokes and ready to smile but had zero tolerance for nonsense.

“I am heartbroken by the news of her passing. I met Celeste as a young journo when we worked together as bulletin writers at the SABC’s English news desk. She had more TV experience than me and was always happy to guide and support me in my learning in the newsroom and settling down in Johannesburg,” Ngoasheng said.

Nadia Samie-Jacobs, a former colleague at eNCA wrote: “A piece of my heart is missing, and that piece is in the shape of you, Celeste. You were a kind woman; you went out of your way to help others. You were generous. You fought for what was right. You were angered by injustice.”

SANEF expresses its heartfelt condolences to all families that have lost their loved ones. May their dear souls 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 the 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
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director – (071) 682-3695

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

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