‘Journalist’s journalist’ Joe Latakgomo dies

Latakgomo, who has been described as a “journalist’s journalist”, died at Kalafong Hospital on Sunday, his wife Angie announced. In astatement, the Press Council of SA said it was deeply saddened by Latakgomo’s passing. Council executive director Phathiswa Magopeni said Latakgomo joined the council after more than 50 years of active service in the media, reaching the heights of founding editor of Sowetan in 1981.

“Before that, he was a stalwart at The World and Weekend World, which were banned by the apartheid regime, and was assistant editor at the Post and Sunday Post,” said Magopeni. Magopeni said after Latakgomo’s editorship at Sowetan, he was assistant editor of The Star and assistant editor of the Argus Africa News Service. He went on to become the public editor of Avusa (Times Media), now Arena Holdings.

“We mourn the passing of Joe Latakgomo, whose voice as public advocate of the Press Council of South Africa carried courage and conscience,” said Magopeni. “He understood that robust, independent media accountability is the lifeblood of democracy. We honour and celebrate his contribution to strengthening the credibility, integrity and public trust in our media accountability and oversight system.

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“The Press Council extends its most compassionate condolences to his wife, Angie, and the entire Latakgomo family, and to Bra Joe’s friends and former colleagues. He will never be forgotten.” Among the things Latakgomo is remembered for was his love of football.

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