SANEF Saddened by the Passing of Multimedia Journalist, Sebabatso Mosamo
22 September 2025
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) mourns the passing of talented photojournalist Sebabatso Mosamo, who worked for the international news agency Associated Press (AP).
Mosamo (39), fondly referred to as ‘Sebs’, passed away on Saturday at a Johannesburg hospital, after a short illness.
Mosamo, a Wits University graduate, was a senior multi-media journalist and foreign correspondent. She was such an all-rounder – she did everything from print to radio, photography, videography, and digital.
Media titles she has worked for include Daily Sun, Eyewitness News, Sunday Times, and Mail & Guardian, and she has previously freelanced for several other publications. She joined AP in 2021 as a visual journalist.
Lynne Mosamo, Sebabatso’s mother, said: “We are grieving the loss of a life cut at its prime. As the Mosamo family, we have lost a rock, a beloved daughter, a dependable sister, and a beautiful friend and colleague. A creative and hard worker, who took so much pride in her work and family. We were still expecting to see you fly even higher, spreading your fiery spirit, sharing your kindness and your straightforwardness. We are at a loss for words, and our hearts are shattered. You will forever be in our hearts, and we are comforted by the knowledge that you are now at peace.”
Nqobile Ntshangase, Sebabatso’s colleague at AP, said: “She was such an amazing colleague and had such a bright future. My thoughts are with her family and friends in the media in this tragic moment.”
Dinesh Balliah, director of the Wits Centre of Journalism, said: “Sebs spent two years at the Wits Centre for Journalism, where she took on the role of news photography lecturer and mentor. Teaching a class full of young women who had few women photographers to look up to, she was quickly embraced by her students.
“She was gentle with her young charges, both in the classroom and in the field, and continued to look out for the Wits Vuvuzela journalists long after she had left their newsroom.
As mothers, we connected over our love for our girls, and I am heartbroken for her young daughter, who has lost not only a mom but a fierce role model who broke barriers through her work.”
Sebs has been praised for the several big stories she has covered, such as the Marikana massacre, elections, and news events related to COVID-19.
In some of these assignments, she worked closely with Felix Dlangamandla, an award-winning photographer: “I’m heartbroken by the loss of Sebabatso. Working with her was a true privilege; her passion and kindness touched everyone around her. I will always remember the energy she brought into our work and the person she was. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this painful time. May her soul rest in peace.”
News24’s Alex Patrick said: “Sebabatso and I worked together at the Sunday Times and thereafter in the field. I last saw her in August, when she said she had been suffering from a cold she couldn’t shake.
Sebs was an enthusiastic, intelligent, and exceptionally gifted photojournalist. Her images often captured the heart of the subject. She was great with people, funny, and very likeable. She was often blunt and spoke candidly during interviews. She was brave and did not need direction; she was always there for the best moments. But moreover, she was an excellent friend to anyone who knew her.
We worked together during Covid and spent a lot of time in the cold in townships, where we witnessed people standing in queues for food and the knock-on effects of the lockdown.”
Thato Sithole, a friend and former colleague at Daily Sun, said: My friend, my birthday partner, my sister. Where do I begin? Words can never express how much I value our friendship. You were such a burst of light, and love and energy in my life from the moment I met you 18 years ago. From our Dros to Bassline dates to dealing with serious adulting. You inspired me in every way, a powerhouse, a work horse, an amazing mother, a caring and naturing friend, a humble soul. I will miss our calls, visits and that bright smile. The dancing, the laughter we shared and all the love you always gave. Rest in POWER my love. I will always love you.
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:
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
Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
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
