-
Late veteran journalist Joe Latakgomo.
The Press Council of South Africa has confirmed the passing of veteran journalist, Joe Latakgomo.
Latakgomo passed away on Sunday.
His media career spanned more than five decades. He’s widely described as “a journalist’s journalist” who helped shape Black journalism during the most turbulent years of apartheid.
Tributes continue to pour in honouring his courage, integrity and lifelong commitment to press freedom.
Latakgomo was the founding editor of the Sowetan in 1981 and previously worked at the world and weekend world, publications that were banned by the apartheid government.
He steered the newsroom during a critical period when editor Percy Qoboza was detained, ensuring the continued reporting of pivotal events in South Africa’s history.
In 1991, he received the prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, further cementing his international standing.
From 2018 to 2020, he served as public advocate at the press council of south Africa, where he championed media accountability and defended press freedom.
SANEF founder member and former editor, Mary Papayya, reflects 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 states.
Current member of the Press Council, Amina Frense-Kasrils, shares 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 remarks.
The Star’s sub-editor, Nhlanhla Mbatha, who was mentored by Latakgomo at The Sowetan, emphasises the significance of his passing. He describes 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 says.
