SANEF Mourns the Passing of Veteran Human Rights Activist and Labour Writer Terry Bell
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the passing of veteran human rights activist, labour writer and journalist, Terry Bell, who died on the morning of Wednesday, 25 March, while on a trip with his family to the Eastern Cape.
According to his daughter, Ceiren Bell, a freelance animator specialising in hand-drawn educational animations, her father leaves behind “an enormous absence and an incredible legacy.”
Bell’s life was one of unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and the power of the written word. He stood at the intersection of activism and journalism, telling the stories of workers, amplifying the voices of the marginalised, and holding power to account with courage and conviction.
Writing in the WhatsApp media group, media veteran Mathatha Tsedu paid a moving tribute, recalling Bell’s lifelong partnership with his late wife Barbara.
“Terry and his late wife Barbara were the team that couldn’t be separated… he had to follow,” he said.
Tsedu remembered the long hours of struggle and solidarity, recounting how Bell connected local resistance to international support:
“I recall being taken to the 14-hour non-stop protest outside the racist South African embassy in London. There was co-operation between the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) London Group, facilitated by the other never-say-die activist Lionel Morrison, and the farm workers at Zebediela citrus. It was solidarity that gave workers hope and strength, to know that far away in London, their struggles were being supported through the Outspan boycott.”
He added: “At the centre of it all was Terry Bell, through whom I would send all my latest stories on the strike for use by the protesters. There were no emails or WhatsApp then, just Telex. Go well, workers’ activist for life. I am tempted to imagine you writing columns wherever you are, cajoling and persuading for good. Rest, Soldier.”
Tributes have poured in from across the media and broader society, painting a portrait of a man who was not only principled but deeply human.
“So sorry to hear this. Terry was one of a kind. Immensely warm, wonderfully driven and an eternal fighter for right. Go well, Terry.”
Journalist Ann Crotty described him as “one of the best human beings” she ever knew:
“He loved life and lived it fully. He and his family were the most loved. He was also quite mischievous and had a delightful sense of fun. He is a huge loss.”
Marion Edmunds said: “He was a most wonderful friend and colleague that I trusted completely and admired greatly. He was very principled, both politically and personally.”
SANEF founder member Guy Berger recalled a recent encounter that captured Bell’s enduring spirit: “I saw Terry in action just last Sunday at the Masque Theatre, where the series Untold Courage about Horst Kleinschmidt, Beyers Naude and Cedric Mason was showing. He urged everyone there to action. Many will share that memory.”
Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki reflected on their last meeting: “I am very sad to hear about Terry’s passing. Only a few days ago, he attended a presentation I made at the Cape Town branch of the SA Institute of International Affairs. He was very cheerful as usual and made lots of constructive suggestions. The topic of the presentation was what is next after 100 years of Nationalism, 1924 – 2024. We had lots of laughs.”
Writer Fred Khumalo described Bell as “a man of ideas… generous, always eager to help and full of life.”
Former Ombud Pippa Green said: “Terry made a huge contribution to journalism and to democracy. He was also always so cheerful and funny – a real treasure to spend time with… No time was ever enough with Terry. His loss leaves a huge hole in so many hearts.”
SANEF joins the many voices across the country and beyond in honouring a life lived in service of truth, justice, and humanity. Terry Bell’s legacy will endure in the stories he told, the struggles he championed, and the countless lives he touched.
SANEF expresses its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the broader media fraternity.
Ends
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, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
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