SANEF Mourns the Passing of Veteran Journalist Joe Latakgomo
23 February 2026
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the passing of veteran journalist, Joe Latakgomo, on Sunday, 22 February. Recognised as the “journalist of journalists,” Joe’s remarkable contributions to the media industry have left an enduring legacy.
Mary Papayya, SANEF founder member and former editor, reflected on Latakgomo’s immense impact as a committed leader in news media. “Latakgomo was always willing to share knowledge and experience, embodying kindness, and patience in his leadership. He showed humanity in every interaction and served on the Press Council as Public Advocate with great honour. He was conscientious in both thought and action,” she stated.
Amina Frense-Kasrils, a current member of the Press Council, shared her thoughts on Latakgomo’s role. “We were fortunate to have someone of Joe’s calibre, an individual with deep professional journalistic expertise, serving as Public Advocate. He was a highly accomplished individual and a mentor to many young journalists. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Angie, and his family and friends during this tough time,” she remarked.
The Star’s sub-editor, Nhlanhla Mbatha, who was mentored by Latakgomo at The Sowetan, emphasised the significance of his passing. He described it as the end of a chapter in black journalism and struggle journalism.
“Joe’s dedication to telling the stories of the marginalized and oppressed will be forever remembered as a testament to the power of journalism in transforming society. His commitment to truth-telling and amplifying the voices of the voiceless has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s media landscape,” Mbatha said.
Drawing comparisons from the political landscape, Mbatha stated, “In yesteryear politics, Nelson Mandela was the face of the ANC from prison walls, while Oliver Tambo kept the fires burning in exile. If the late Percy Qoboza was the Mandela of the press, then Joe Latakgomo was undoubtedly the Tambo of the Fourth Estate.”
Abbey Makoe described Latakgomo as a gentle “giant of Black journalism”. While orally, Latakgomo was not a man of many words, with almost a reserved personality, he treated people with same respect.
“Even his object of scorn, such as apartheid and its white establishments, he condemned with a sense of correcting, than ridiculing,” he wrote, adding that across the newsrooms, Latakgomo represented integrity.
Makoe said Latakgomo interacted with editorial staff with genuine and dignified serenity. “His elderly affection for all was so mesmerising it was inconceivable to fall out of line in his unmistakable presence.”
Latakgomo, who has also been described as an unsung hero of the black press, was a recipient of the Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University in 1991. His remarkable career spanned more than 50 years, culminating in his role as an editor of The Sowetan in 1981. Prior to that, he served at The World and Weekend World. These are publications banned by the apartheid regime. He also played various significant roles including Senior Assistant Editor at The Star, Assistant Editor at the Argus Africa News Service, and former Public Editor of Times Media.
He was inducted into the SAB Sports Journalists Hall of Fame in 2009 and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South African Football Association in 2011. Additionally, he authored a book on the history of soccer in South Africa titled “Mzansi Magic, Struggle, Betrayal & Glory: The Story of South African Soccer” published in 2010.
As we reflect on Joe Latakgomo’s extraordinary life and contributions, SANEF offers its condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his work and leadership in journalism.
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.
For more information, please contact:
Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Slindile Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138-5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SANEF.org.za
