Veteran journalist Jon Qwelane dies aged 68 Qwelane’s attorney Andrew Boerner has confirmed he passed away earlier on Thursday. FILE: Jon Qwelane. Picture: YouTube screengrab.
Qwelane’s attorney Andrew Boerner has confirmed he passed away earlier on Thursday.
He was appointed South Africa’s ambassador to Uganda in 2010.
His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Qwelane s passing has been described as marking the closure of a chapter in South African journalism.
Veteran journalist Dan Moyane said Qwelane should be remembered for his work.
“He had very strong views about issues in the country way back in 1999, especially on issues about race and injustice. You have to remember JQ’s contribution is a legendary contribution to journalism in this country. His sharp pen earned him a status of a hero among many young journalists in this country.”
Qwelane’s death was confirmed by his attorney Andrew Boerner earlier on Thursday.
He made his mark as a print journalist and worked as a reporter for The Star and Sunday Star, for which he also wrote columns. He produced op-ed pieces and had two regular columns in the 1990s: Jon’s Jive, which appeared on Saturdays, and Just Jon on Sundays.
Qwelane was a founder member of the Writers Association of SA and was the recipient of the SA National Editors Forum coveted Nat Nakasa Award in 1998.
He was appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to Uganda in 2010.
His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
His family asked for privacy.
Qwelane was appointed South Africa s ambassador to Uganda in 2010.
Former ambassador, journalist and activist Jon Qwelane has died.
Qwelane s attorney, Andrew Boerner, confirmed his death to News24 on Thursday morning.
Boerner said the family asked for privacy during this time.
Qwelane was appointed South Africa s ambassador to Uganda in 2010.
In 2008, he wrote an unpopular opinion about same-sex marriage in the now defunct Sunday Sun, titled: Call me names, but gay is not okay .
He also lauded former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe s unflinching and unapologetic stance on homosexuality.
EXPLAINER | There could be a few things I could take issue with Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, but his unflinching and unapologetic stance over homosexuals is definitely not among those, the column read.