Grocott's Mail bids a sad farewell to one of its most determined up-and-coming journalists, Thembeni Plaatjie, who passed away on Sunday morning.
Grocott's Mail bids a sad farewell to one of its most determined up-and-coming journalists, Thembeni Plaatjie, who passed away on Sunday morning.
Thembeni, 35, grew up in Grahamstown and passed through CM Vellem Primary, Makana Primary and Benjamin Mahlasela Secondary School before studying journalism at Rhodes University.
He then transferred to Fort Hare University, although he didn't finish his studies at either institution.
However, in 2010 he completed one of the first series of Grocott's Mail's citizen journalism courses and went from strength to strength as a reporter for the newspaper, as well as at Radio Grahamstown.
Thembeni was promoted to an intern reporter earlier this year. His mother, Nomalinge Lindi, told the newspaper yesterday that Thembeni died due to a liver-related illness, after he had fallen ill in March this year.
In May he spent time in Settlers' Hospital and was later moved to Dora Nginza Hospital in Port Elizabeth, where he died this weekend. Sebenzile Plaatjie, a member of Radio Grahamstown's disciplinary committee, said Thembeni was a very determined man who was always focused on his work.
Last year the station conferred two awards on him – best news presenter and best news reporter, Plaatjie said. He worked very hard at showing his passion for news and he has made Radio Grahamstown a very good platform for community news, said Plaatjie.
In the name of Radio Grahamstown, may Thembeni rest in peace. Grocott's Mail editor, Steven Lang described Plaatjie's passing as a great tragedy for his family and for the newspaper's newsroom. "He worked hard and had a razor sharp mind. He carved out a niche for himself as an excellent court reporter who will be sorely missed by his colleagues."
Lang added that he had always respected Thembeni's opinions, because he thought carefully about what he said.
Besides his mother, Thembeni leaves behind his 4-year-old daughter, Khubuzwe Hani, and two sisters. His funeral is scheduled for this Sunday at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Extension 6, Joza.
