Jacana Media Publisher, Nadia Goetham, has passed away on Sunday afternoon. She succumbed to COVID-19-related complications.
The Johannesburg-based company has paid tribute to the respected publisher on its twitter account.
A number of people have reacted on Twitter to the news of Goetham’s passing. She was well respected for encouraging and publishing young black authors.
Doing this with a heavy heart! We love you sis. Going to miss you. ❤ pic.twitter.com/6F7DFawZWG
— Ian Goetham (@IanGoetham) April 25, 2021
Goethan joined Jacana in 2015 as a production manager. In her short bio, she says she was soon bitten by the publishing bug and she moved to chasing authors and stories.
Talking about her loves, she said: “Nothing beats that feeling you get when I see a first-time author’s face light up when they see and hold their book for the first time. I literally have the chance to help make people’s dreams come true.”
Some of those who knew and worked with her are describing her passing as a huge loss to the literary industry.
One of my biggest cheerleaders, kept bullies away from me, was one of my strongest crutches. So lost. I love you Nadia. Rest my friend. https://t.co/NeagMz3j0a
— Thabiso M. Mahlape (@MahlapeThabiso) April 25, 2021
This is such terribly sad and shocking news. Condolences to all at Jacana and all her authors. Nadia was so passionate and enthusiastic about books and publishing new voices. A huge loss. https://t.co/5hmv9oJEVY
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) April 25, 2021
Praying for Nadia’s family and close friends???
What an amazing woman! ??— Olwethu Leshabane (@Olwe2Lesh) April 25, 2021
And vele, all those broken heart emoji’s on the TL this morning have had us TENSE the whole day.
Then we hear this, and ah! Our hearts! Oh Nadia!!!????????— marang setshwaelo (@marangdream) April 25, 2021
Nadia is underrated. pic.twitter.com/rGU1VEOKV5
— Thomas Talks Comics (@ThomasComicTalk) April 25, 2021
Just a week ago Nadia Goetham wrote about loss. Now today we have lost her?? https://t.co/Ucyxo8P2qM
— Vusumuzi Makubalo (@VusaMakubalo) April 25, 2021
Sincere condolences my dear sister @TA_4Short . Such devastating news! We have died the death of the big nourishing family calabash. May her dancing soul rest in eternal peace. Nadia brought so much vitality and endless love to her work, and her world. Phumula ngoxolo dadewethu.
— sandile ngidi (@mahlephula) April 25, 2021
No. Not Nadia
— Matshidiso Madia (@tshidi_lee) April 25, 2021
Thank you, Nadia. ❤️
— K E L E T S O (@KeletsoMopai) April 25, 2021
??? Nadia a queen, you’ve done sooo much for the literary industry and the TL. RIP ?? https://t.co/CiQzwxAyUq
— Like ‘chow’ 林明巧 (@mingcheau) April 25, 2021
What a loss??
I met Nadia at the @JacanaMedia book sale many moons ago.
We had lots of conversations here on Twitter.
What a loss to her family, friends, authors &book lovers in general. She was a wonderful human being. https://t.co/bZxkTUXBWE
— Vusumuzi Makubalo (@VusaMakubalo) April 25, 2021
To the creatives she believed in, to those she was still in talks about their story, to the reading and lovers of the written word, to friends, loved ones and her family… I’m sorry for this great loss. Rest in power Nadia Goetham?️?
— Portia Gumede (@portiagumedesa) April 25, 2021
Just over a week ago, the literary world was mourning the loss of Phumlani Pikoli. With great sadness we say goodbye to Nadia Goetham. She was a kind, soulful woman who brought much laughter and banter to the TL. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. ?? pic.twitter.com/cU5VpDnVVF
— Sue Nyathi (@SueNyathi) April 25, 2021
I am so sorry Nadia Goetham. RIP. https://t.co/oVYBB6TFS6
— Lynn Layman (@lynnlayman) April 25, 2021
In a statement released late on Sunday, the family says, “Her death was swift and untimely. Our hearts are shattered.”
The family adds that details of a memorial service and funeral will be made in due course.