SANEF Mourns the Passing of Thabo Masebe

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) passes its commiserations to the family, relatives, and colleagues of renowned government communicator, Thabo Masebe.

Mr. Masebe has over the years worked closely and amicably with the media. He was a communicator who understood the media and knew why it was key to maintaining excellent relations with members of the Fourth Estate.

In his various roles within the public sector, whether working for the Gauteng Premier office or with former deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, Mr. Masebe was always available to hear, assist and go the extra mile for journalists as he knew the importance of their work.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, said: “Mr. Masebe was an incredible public servant, working closely with the media over the years. He shaped how government communication should be handled when it comes to the media. He was resolute and always ready to fairly engage with journalists. Condolences to his family and colleagues in government.

At the time of his passing, Mr. Masebe was the acting director-general in the office of the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura.

Joe Makhafola, a close friend, and former colleague said: “Thabo was a fountain of knowledge, a walking archive who reached unimaginable heights. A communicator par excellence. He epitomised a capable and ethical cadre with high moral values.

“He was my go-to guy. A close friend, my golf mate, and a confidante. I will miss his calls on my birthday as I share it with his son. His humility, peacefulness, guidance, and friendship will forever be cherished in my heart. Till we meet again. Rest in power.”

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
• Monica Laganparsad – Acting Secretary-General (082) 578-6111
• Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
• Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Acting Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
• 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

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