SANEF mourns passing of veteran SABC journalist Veronica Fourie

In a statement, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has expressed its profound sadness and extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of veteran SABC journalist Veronica Fourie, a deeply respected and much-loved figure in South Africa’s media landscape.

Fourie passed away on Monday morning after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

VIDEO | Veteran broadcaster Veronica Fourie passes away at 65

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 22, 2025

Fourie, who had been enjoying her retirement in Jeffreys Bay, passed away in an ambulance on her way to the hospital. Despite her illness, her family and friends remember her as a woman who faced her struggle with extraordinary grace, wisdom, and her signature “slash of red lipstick.”

Known affectionately as “Tannie V,” Fourie began her professional life as a qualified teacher before finding her true calling in news. Her career spanned decades across major South African publications and broadcasters:

She made her mark at The Herald, Die Oosterlig, and Die Burger Eastern Cape. She then spent over 20 years at the SABC newsroom in Gqeberha, where she flourished in radio and television.

Her colleagues noted that her personal experience with the loss of her child in a car crash gave her a unique empathy, making her the “go-to” person for difficult or emotional interviews.

SABC News Eastern Cape Editor Jurie Blignaut remarks, “On radio, her words came alive. With that warm touch, she could coax an interview from even the most recalcitrant guest. Her contribution to SABC news is still felt today.”

“Human interest features were her forte. She had a knack for covering crime and courts, as her stellar coverage of the Jayde Panayiotou murder indicated. By telling the human story, she was able to make the information easily accessible. With that warm touch, she could coax an interview from even the most recalcitrant guest,” Blignaut recalls in the statement.

In her retirement, Fourie remained active in the craft she loved, freelancing for the Kouga Express and writing her popular weekly column, “Veronica Vertel” (Veronica Tells).

Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw, GM of EP Media, and Kathryn Kimberley, The Herald news editor, both recalled Fourie as a larger-than-life personality who mentored scores of young journalists. “She shared her knowledge and skills freely,” says Blignaut. “She was an office mother who was a shoulder to cry on and a hand to support.”

Fourie was as famous for her vibrant personality as she was for her reporting. Her daughter, Erika Ferreira, shared that her mother never let cancer dampen her spirits.

“After her first chemo session, she lost her hair. But it did not faze her because she loved wearing hats so much. Just last weekend, she was at a family wedding and danced. She made every moment count.”

In the statement, her longtime friend and former colleague Janine Lee recalled their 25 years together at the SABC, where they were known as “007” for their playful office pranks. Lee noted Fourie’s favourite mantra for facing adversity: “Put on your lipstick, put on your hat, and just get on with it.”

Fourie is survived by her daughter Erika Ferreira and son-in-law Dawson; her son Dr. Ruhan Fourie; and her beloved grandchildren, Yula and Heston Jr. Ferreira,” reads the statement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLaakDUmzxU