Community journalists attending the annual regional seminar at the Avbob head office on Friday paid tribute to their colleague Fanie Mthupha, who died in a collision on the N17 near Ermelo.
The seminar is known as the ‘No Guts, No Glory’ seminar and has been presented by the Forum for Community Journalists since 1994.

Tribute to a dedicated news editor

FCJ Deputy Executive Director and Gauteng Director Marietta Lombard said: “It is with profound sadness that we remember Fanie, our news editor at the Boksburg Advertiser and Benoni City Times, who tragically lost his life in a collision in Ermelo on September 13. Our fellow journalists and members in the East Rand are still struggling to come to terms with this tremendous loss.”

She said Fanie was a talented journalist who spent 16 years telling stories that mattered to local communities. “He was a beautiful soul who brought warmth, kindness and humanity to the people around him. He was not only good at what he did; he was great. That was evident when he placed in the top three of this year’s FCJ Excellence Awards for Digital Reportage – an achievement he was incredibly proud of.

“Reflecting on the award, Fanie said: ‘To me, this award means a lot as it demonstrates the effort that goes into the work. It motivates me and makes me want to do even more and hopefully take the first spot next year.’

“And while we will remember Fanie for the countless stories he wrote over the years – big stories, important stories, stories that mattered, including most recently the Reiger Park murders – the greatest story he ever wrote was the one witnessed every day by those around him: simply being Fanie.

“His character. His kindness. His warmth. The person he was. That is the Fanie we will carry with us.
“This is a tremendous loss for community journalism and for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Eight lives lost in N17 collision

Eight people were killed in the devastating N17 collision.

The victims in a Volkswagen sedan included Pastor Dumisane Sithole, his wife Pinky Mambonambi Sithole and their two children, two-year-old Enhle and three-month-old Emihle. Pastor Thokozani Nhlabathi, his wife Dumisile MaMlambo Nhlabathi and Cora Mambonambi Simelane were also among those who died.
The group had attended a religious event in KZN before travelling towards Gauteng.

Void in the newsroom

His editor of the past six years, Lana O’Neill, said the loss of Mthupha left a massive void in their newsroom and broader media environment.

Journalists from the Middelburg Observer also attended the seminar.