The lives of five prominent local journalists who had passed away over the past 17 years will be celebrated during a remembrance ceremony, to be held at the Babylon Resort in Thohoyandou this coming Saturday (17 September).

Among these late newsmen, who helped shape the scope of local journalism, are the Limpopo Mirror’s editor, Mr Wikus Lee (1955 – 2020), Univen FM and Vhembe News journalist Livhalani Richard Mmbi (1973 – 2016), the Sowetan and Limpopo Mirror photojournalist Elijar Mushiana (1973 – 2014), Jacaranda FM news reporter Robert Nevhulaudzi (1965 – 2010) and Limpopo Mirror correspondent Alpheus Siebane (1953 – 2005). A special plaque, engraved with the names of these five journalists, will be unveiled as a way of honouring their contributions towards the development of journalism in the Vhembe region.

The main speakers will include veteran journalists Mr Mathatha Tsedu and Mr Anton Van Zyl. The list of invited guests ranges from the deceased journalists’ family members, representatives of local media houses, and independent journalists, to retired communicators, traditional leaders and businesspeople.

One of the coordinators, Mr Frank Mavhungu, who is also a veteran journalist for the Limpopo Mirror, said the event was long overdue. “After months of planning and consultation, we felt it was important to present this special event to pay tribute to our late colleagues, who played a major role in the evolution of journalism in our region. Our plan is to make this remembrance ceremony an annual event to honour these pathfinders, who dedicated their lives to the struggle of freedom of expression without fear or favour,” he said.

“What is so remarkable is that these brave men joined this profession at a time when things were very tough. They were not in the journalism industry for name or fame. Some of them started when there were no cellphones, Internet connections or digital cameras yet. Despite all these difficulties, they held on and persevered because they loved their work and communities unconditionally. That is why we have also invited young journalists to join us at this event, so that they can draw inspiration from these great departed colleagues of ours.”