Late SABC News video journalist, Thabo Katsande, has been described as a friendly person who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
The 48-year-old Katsande died on Friday afternoon at a hospital in Pretoria due to heart complications.
He re-joined SABC News in 2015.
During his illustrious career, “Moruti”, as Katsande was fondly known, covered news for both radio and TV, and also presented reggae and current affairs shows on Lesedi FM.
Katsande was one of the recipients of the regional leg of the 2020 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards.
Free State Red Cross Manager, Claudia Mangwegape, says Katsande was a jolly human being who was easy to engage.
“We have lost an icon, we have lost somebody that you know was actually enjoying his work. We have lost somebody that was a people’s person. And we would always laugh every time we would say Thabo almost knew everything. And those are some of the things that we would really miss from him. And we are saddened by his loss, heaven has gained an angel.”
“A dedicated journalist”
Free State Economic Freedom Fighters Secretary, Bosanku Msimanga, has described Katsande as a dedicated journalist.
“Thabo Katsande has been a jolly fellow and has lived true to the meaning of his name Thabo. There were never dull moments within his presence. We shall forever treasure his memories as politicians and the community at large in the province. He had his own way of putting his dissatisfaction without really angering anyone. We shall forever remember him as such.”
Mangaung Metro Spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, has commended Katsande for his dedication and professionalism in executing his duties.
“Thabo Katsande was a very friendly person. He never compromised his professionalism as a camera person. He would be there. He would make you relax, laugh and all that but ultimately, he will get that type of a clip that he wants. So, some of us are torn. We are trying to process his death, but I hope with time, we will just have to accept and admit that there is death at the end of the day.”
Free State Health Spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, shares Khedama’s sentiments.
“There’s a number of stories we worked with him on, and he was always putting the interests of the people at heart and making sure that the department does its duty to make sure that the services are provided to the people.”
Bloemfontein SABC staff saddened
Distraught SABC News staff members in Bloemfontein say they are yet to come to terms with the death of Katsande.
“Thabo Katsande was a very humble person, and he was eager to learn. I remember I did work with him at one of our shows called Mathumisa in the morning when Thabo Katsande every time when we had to start the show, I would just tell him that today it’s your turn to start the show. He will never hesitate, but he will just say okay that’s fine I will do as you say,” says one staff member.
Another colleague says: “Thabo was more than just a colleague to me. He was a friend, he was a brother, he was so many things. He wore a lot of hats in my life in particular.”
Katsande will be laid to rest at his hometown of QwaQwa on Saturday.
