"He was humbled, passionate about his work and a watch dog to his government," said exhibition coordinator Nqobile Buthelezi, while referring to the late Madikane "Madiks" Jelu at a memorial exhibition of his work at Eden Grove on Tuesday.
"He was humbled, passionate about his work and a watch dog to his government," said exhibition coordinator Nqobile Buthelezi, while referring to the late Madikane "Madiks" Jelu at a memorial exhibition of his work at Eden Grove on Tuesday.
Jelu passed away earlier this year after contracting pneumonia, leaving behind his family, countless friends and many members of the community who relied on his insatiable curiosity and concern about their lives. Jelu worked as a freelance photographer providing material for publications such as Grocott’s Mail, Daily Sun, Sowetan, Daily Dispatch and Die Son. Journalists and media practitioners from the continent who attended the Highway Africa conference last week gathered to view some of his work and learn about his perseverance in the media industry.
The exhibition included photographs, memoirs and articles as well as poems dedicated to the local legend. Luvuyo Mjekula the news editor at Grocott’s Mail, shared his experiences and anecdotes of the six years they spent as colleagues. He praised him for his good journalistic character. "As a journalist, he was forward and he was always where the action was," he said. He also referred to Madikane as a " perfect journalist" in the sense that he although he was not trained as journalist, his journalistic instincts were spot on. Mjekula said Jelu, who was known to his community as Madiks or Mr Paparazzi, knew people from varying social backgrounds including government and court officials.
Moagisi Lethlaku who represented Highway Africa, shared that the exhibition was a promise made to Jelu before he passed away. "He kept reminding us that we have to display his work," she said. Prof Guy Berger, who heads the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, urged journalists to learn from Jelu as he was uneducated but had what it takes to be a great journalist. "Although he was uneducated, he was still a hero of journalism, "said Berger. Jelu’s brother, Siphiwo then offered his gratitude on behalf of his family. " We appreciate all the kindness, we loved Madikane and he left with us with broken hearts," he said. The Jelu family were presented with a gift, which was handed over to Siphiwo by the editor of Grocott’s Mail, Steven Lang. The photographs that were on show have been given to the Jelu family and some of the material will be exhibited in the Grocott’s Mail building in High Street.
