Former head of the Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies and Daily Dispatch editor, Gavin Stewart, died at his home early Monday night 17 February.
Former head of the Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies and Daily Dispatch editor, Gavin Stewart, died at his home early Monday night 17 February.
Stewart was well known for his journalistic work in a variety of fields and most notably as a founder member of the South African Editor’s Forum (Sanef). In a statement released by the Forum on Tuesday, Stewart’s colleagues expressed their sadness at the news.
“He contributed to the maintenance and promotion of high professional standards of newspaper journalism…,” the statement said. “His sage and well-balanced advice always made an impact on other journalists and members of Sanef.”
Stewart was the editor of the Daily Dispatch from 1993 to 2005 and played an important role in shaping Dispatch Media into what it is today.
At Rhodes University Stewart leaves his journalistic legacy behind in the form of his Grahamstown National Arts Festival newspaper, Cue, that he founded during his 12 years as head of the Journalism Department.
Stewart’s prominent involvement was particularly noted in 2011 when Cue celebrated its 25th birthday.
Grocott’s Mail will publish an obituary of Gavin Stewart in this Friday’s edition, 21 February.
