Picture: The late Mafikeng FM reporter and SABC video journalist, Moleboheng Khaene who passed away/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of two journalists. Bobby Sylvester Serame (53), who worked for SABC for 20 years before moving to Mafikeng FM, died at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital on 20 July 2023 after a short illness.
SABC video journalist, Moleboheng Khaeane (33), who was based in SABC Bloemfontein, died in a car accident on 20 July 2023.
The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi said he was shocked by the news. Maloyi said Khaene was one of the few female video journalists in the province. Maloyi said Khaene worked for the SABC News – North West Region for three years before joining SABC News Free State Region.
“Both Serame and Khaeane were critical in informing the people of North West about a number of government programs and initiatives aimed at addressing various socio-economic challenges confronting the province. Members of the media are critical government stakeholders.
“Without them, we are unable to reach and share information regarding government services to our people. Both Serame and Khaeane contributed immensely to empowering our people with information that can better their lives,” he said.
Maloyi further said, may Serame and Khaene’s souls find eternal rest. He added that, as the government, they send heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues.
Meanwhile, the National Press Club joins the media fraternity in mourning the passing this week of four journalists, under different circumstances.
The chairperson of the National Press Club, Antoinette Slabbert said: “We send our condolence messages to families of Khaeane, Serame, veteran KwaZulu-Natal photographer, Bongani Mbatha and respected entertainment journalist, Welcome Skhosana.
“Every democracy relies on the media – as the fourth estate – to ensure its citizenry is informed of developments that affect their lives and when we lose colleagues like we did this week, it hurts our democracy like it did their families and friends.”
Slabbert said the Independent Newspapers’ Bongani Mbatha was shot and killed at his house, outside Durban on Tuesday. She said the Entertainment writer and former Daily Sun and City Press journalist, Welcome Skhosana passed away on 19 July 2023.
“The National Press Club dips its flag in honouring these media workers and agents for democracy and a plurality of voices in the media landscape of our country. The Club sends its heartfelt condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends during this hour of pain and need.
“We wish to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and contribution to the craft of journalism and for making sure our nation’s story was delivered to our communities uncensored,” she said.
The Guardian 