Sanef Mourns the Passing on of Legendary Sportswriter, Phil Nyamane

The story of black sports writers would not be complete without mention of the unforgettable scribers of the calibre of legendary sportswriters such as Phil Nyamane, that graced the newsrooms of The World, The Star, Post, and the Sowetan. Nyamane died peacefully of natural courses on Tuesday.

Oupa Ngwenya, the founding secretary-general of the Forum of Black Journalists (SA) and freelance journalist, described Nyamane as “irreplaceable, irrepressible and unforgettable.” He said Nyamane’s star will shine in the galaxy of other star writers comprising such as Joe Latakgomo, Harold Phongolo, Victor Tsuai, Lesley Sehume, Sy Leman, Louis Mazibuko, Elliot Makhanya, Don Manaka, Molefi Mika.

“All these legends were formidable reference points that equally gifted young writers like Sibusiso Mseleku, Rony Mtshazo, Sipho Mthembu, Sello Rabothatha, Ali Mphaki and Linda Rulashe, could be said to be proud chips from the same exemplary block,” he said.

Long before TV existed in South Africa, sports readers’ imagination was ignited with pictures of games that writers like Nyamane skillfully captured in words that even radio could not emulate. Ngwenya said soccer coaches could take cues from their previews of the game to determine the starting line-up of their respective teams. “Losers and winners of the game could similarly rely on craftsmen like Nyamane for post-match analysis.”

He said Nyamane was a moving library in the sports field with abilities to recite facts and stats on things ranging from players’ different attributes, sports administrators and promoters, coaches, and experts’ predictions of various games of different teams.

“Nyamane leaves behind footprints to be followed by those who appreciate his craftsmanship. He leaves cherished memories to the sports fraternity,” Ngwenya said.

As an aspirant journalist and boxing lover, journalist, and communication strategist, Themba Sepotokele keenly followed the work of the likes of Nyamane, Pongola, Junior Motsei, Arthur Molosiwa, and Bafana Shezi.

“They were not just scribes but living legends who lived for the sport. I was fortunate to have worked with Pongola and Nyamane at the Sowetan and The Star newspapers, respectively. Bra Phil was a walking encyclopaedia of boxing. He knew the history of pugilists, remembered their fights and how they fared,” remarked Sepotokele.

Sanef wishes to express sincere condolences to Nyamane’s family, the sports fraternity, and the sports journalism sector. And peace to his soul.

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, research, and education and training programmes. Sanef is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

• Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972
• Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
• Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
• Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer General (073) 404-1415
• Makhudu Sefara – 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
• Sisanda Nkoala – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564
• Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695