Veteran journalist and South Africa’s former High Commissioner to Uganda, Jon Qwelane, has passed away.
Qwelane was also the founding member of the Writers’ Association of South Africa and was known for being outspoken against the apartheid government.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media.
Jon Qwelane passes on:
Former radio producer Damon Kalvari says Qwelane was an iconic columnist and talk show host.
“Jon Qwelane was an iconic columnist and talk show host, a journalist in the dark days of Apartheid.”
Acclaimed journalist and political commentator Dennis Cruywagen described Qwelane as a fearless, forthright and brilliant journalist.
“Jon was a fearless, forthright, and brilliant journalist, ranking among the best and brightest.”
Brutally honest, especially on race, injustice, Jon Qwelane received a lot of death threats. I remember at one time, how scared he was just to leave The Star building for a walk up the road. His sharp pen gave him hero status among many & most loathed by others. Rest in power Jon
— Pinky Khoabane (@pinkykhoabane) December 24, 2020
News analyst Iqbal Jassat says Qwelane will be remembered for his fight against apartheid.
“Jon Qwelane would be remembered for the decades of struggle he immersed himself in during SA’s years of apartheid.”
Qwelane’s family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning.
A man of his own views, a hard core & well researched journalist, feared by many, hated by many, loved by many and a rare talent in media circles especially talk radio. #JonQwelane lit theTalk at 9 702 lines & set them ablaze in the heat of things. Unrelenting on his word. MHSRIP
— WeziKhoza (@khoza_wezi) December 24, 2020
@MRN1SA offers condolences to family, friends and colleagues of veteran journalist #JonQwelane. He will be remembered for decades of struggle he emerged himself in for media freedom during apartheid, alongside the #Qobozas, #Klaastes, #Akhalwayas pic.twitter.com/GTZTtGsbs4
— Media Review Network (@MRN1SA) December 24, 2020
