The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) community reacted with sadness at the death of well-known media practitioner and academic, Professor Gavin Stewart.
The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) community reacted with sadness at the death of well-known media practitioner and academic, Professor Gavin Stewart.
Stewart succumbed to stomach cancer at 7pm on Monday 17 January.
“Shock and a sense of loss was felt by all the staff in the department when we received the news of his untimely death”, said former head of media studies at WSU Alan Weimann.
Stewart, who taught at the school, was instrumental in setting up the Post-Graduate programme as well establishing the Student News Agency (SNA).
“I had battled for a number of years to find someone in East London to handle Editorial Management and Gavin kindly agreed to do this for us. As a result of this WSU was able to commence offering the BTech journalism course.
“He taught the subject until he relocated to Cape Town, and we certainly benefited from his wide experience both as an academic and as the editor of the Daily Dispatch”, said Dr Weimann.
Stewart was a part-time lecturer teaching 4th year BTech journalism students and was also a consulting editor for the SNA.
“He quickly built up a good rapport with the students and they looked forward to each session with him. Gavin being Gavin didn't only confine himself to his lecturing programme. He soon became involved, on a voluntary basis, in assisting with the mentoring of undergrad students who were writing for our SNA and with sub-editing of their offerings.
“Just prior to his departure he donated a collection of journalism and media-related text books to the Deptartment. Even though he was now living in Cape Town I still had contact with him on matters relating to our course.
“It was a privilege working with him and being able to benefit from his lifetime of experience in the industry”.
Former BTech student Siphe Macanda said, “Prof has taught a lot of media practitioners in the field and I’m honoured to be amongst those who reaped something from his expertise”.
Grocott's Mail's Siphelo Dyongman, a graduate of the SNA said, “Professor Stewarts’s editing skills were helpful, and I remember his encouraging comments which always motivated me”.
WSU media studies Lecturer and board member of Eastern Cape Communications Forum (ECCF) Aniela Batshari also spoke fondly of Stewart:
“Stewart’s passing is a great loss especially for the independent publishing sector and young reporters. He was passionate about small independent media and taught a lot of young reporters as part of workshops organised by the ECCF. He always inspired people and challenged their way of thinking.
“He had a most pleasant way of teaching as he never lectured. He rather transferred knowledge by sharing his vast experiences which were always sprinkled with anecdotes and witty comments.
“He was also very much involved in the establishment of the SNA which was a partnership project between the ECCF and the WSU Department of Media Studies. He availed his editing skills at a discounted fee and was always freely available to engage in debates with students. Working with Gavin was an absolute pleasure as he respected others, irrespective of class, race or education”.
According to Batshari, a memorial service is planned for today at the Guild Theatre in association with the Daily Dispatch.
