Eight people, including a local news editor and two young children, died in a crash on the N17 near Ermelo on September 13.

Co-workers and community members are mourning the sudden passing of Fanie Mthupha, an award-winning journalist who dedicated years to telling local stories.The seasoned journalist and news editor of the Boksburg Advertiser and Benoni City Times died in a two-vehicle collision on Sunday morning.

Zandile Mavuso, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, said Mthupha was travelling alone in a sedan, while seven other victims were travelling in a second vehicle when the head-on collision occurred, according to a report by Highvelder.

The other victims were identified as Pastor Dumisane Sithole, his wife, Pinky Mambonambi Sithole, their two children, aged two years and three months, Pastor Thokozani Nhlabathi, his wife, Dumisile MaMlambo Nhlabathi, and Cora Mambonambi Simelane.

Mavuso said the group had attended a religious event in KwaZulu-Natal before travelling towards Gauteng.

Colleagues pay tribute to a dedicated journalist

Lana O’Neill, Mthupha’s editor for the past six years, said the loss was profound and leaves a massive void in their newsroom and the broader media environment, reports Boksburg Advertiser.

Having recently taken third place for digital reporting at the Forum of Community Journalists Awards, Mthupha dealt with trauma, death, and grief almost daily, sensitively retelling these stories on behalf of affected families.

He joined the Boksburg Advertiser newsroom in 2010 as a journalist under editor Riaan Engelbrecht.

“Fanie was the consummate professional with an incredible passion for journalism, the community, and for sharing the truth,” Engelbrecht said. “He joined the Boksburg Advertiser as a freelance journalist, willing to ply his trade no matter the cost. Quickly demonstrating his diligence, Fanie was soon appointed as a full-time journalist, working his way up to news editor. He was a brilliant journalist and well-loved in the community.”

Engelbrecht added: “May his dedication to the craft as a warrior of the pen be remembered – for the ink ran in his blood and he left a legacy of true journalism.”

A trusted voice in community media

O’Neill concurred that professionalism was a priority in his work.

“There is nothing that makes an editor prouder than journalists who are truly passionate,” O’Neill said. “Fanie was entrenched in the community and relied on these relationships when gathering news to ensure no fact was left unverified, no name incorrectly spelt, and no important detail omitted. He was trusted and strived to never break this trust when dealing with the community, his contacts, and sources.”

She said that as a colleague and her right-hand man in the newsroom, Mthupha could always be relied on to get the story right, uphold the company’s reputation, and offer sage advice as a mentor to younger journalists.

“He loved being part of office banter as much as he did dissecting a serious topic or trying to fathom the events of a particularly disturbing story,” O’Neill added. “Fanie’s voice will live on in the countless stories he wrote that touched – and changed – lives.”

Caxton Greater Joburg Metro editor-in-chief Marietta Lombard said Mthupha touched lives through storytelling that mattered to communities.

“Apart from being a very talented journalist, Fanie was a beautiful soul who brought warmth, kindness, and humanity to those around him,” Lombard said. “We are struggling to come to terms with this tremendous loss. While we remember Fanie for the stories he wrote, I believe the greatest story he ever wrote was the one we witnessed every day – simply being Fanie.”

Community impact and condolences

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini built a rapport of mutual respect and professionalism with Mthupha over many years. Shattered by the news, Dlamini said he would miss their interactions.

“I will miss each day that he would have called me to ask me his 1 000 questions,” Dlamini said. “I watched his light get brighter by the day, only to be diminished so untimely. May his soul rest in peace. Fanie ran a good race.”

Caxton Media East branch manager Karen Watts described Mthupha as a true servant of the public.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of an outstanding journalist and news editor – a true servant of the public,” Watts said. “Fanie’s unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and powerful storytelling left an indelible mark on our newsroom and the community we serve. This unexpected loss leaves a profound void in the field of journalism and in our Caxton East Rand family.”

When he was not writing, Mthupha worked as a DJ – a craft he brought to the office Christmas party.

Caxton extends its sincerest condolences to his family and friends

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