SEDIBENG.- The death of former Mooivaal Media and Daily Sun journalist Sonqoba Kunene (39) has left the local media industry in mourning. Kunene sadly passed away on Sunday, at the young age of 39.
Kune is said to have died of Covid-19 complications.
He started his notable journalism career at the local media giant Mooivaal Media, writing for the then Vaal Weekly and Vaal Vision. He later moved to the mainstream media, joining the Daily Sun before moving to the Emfuleni Local Municipality where he worked in the Communications Department.
Kunene was the eldest son of the late SABC TV drama, ‘Emzini we Zinsizwa’s’, Director and Actor, Nyembezi Kunene, who passed away in 2016. In his own right, Sonqoba was versatile and well known for his creative writing, his humbleness and positive outlook on life.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, his younger brother, Siyabonga Kunene, said that the family has lost a pillar in Sonqoba and that following their fathers death Sonqoba took his responsibilities as a elderly son.
“Following the death of my father, my brother was a pillar of this family. As a family we have lost a son, a brother and a father.We are devastated about his death. As a fighter, he fought till the end.”
As a father of three, Kunene, like his own father, was also in the entertainment industry, being a script writer and also heavily involved in the arts and culture. Sonqoba, affectionately called ‘SK’ in the media industry, was described by many as a humble and down to earth person.
Sedibeng Ster Editor, Lerato Serero, said that the death of Kunene, with whom he joined the media industry in the 2000’s, is a great loss.
“A soldier has fallen, what a great fellow! We became great colleagues and friends after we joined the industry around the same time. A very humble guy, one who would give up anything to help others. He will sorely be missed. On behalf of Mooivaal Media, I wish to send our greatest condolences to his family, friends, colleague and most importantly his children. Farewell my friend.”
At the time of going to print, the funeral arrangements had not yet been made known.
