Rossouw’s death a blow to journalism: NPC

Johannesburg - The death of journalist Mandy Rossouw, at the age of 33, was a loss to the field, the National Press Club (NPC) said on Tuesday.

“At only 33 years of age, Mandy was dedicated to her profession and greatly respected by all who worked with and knew her,” NPC chairwoman Antoinette Slabbert said in a statement.

“Her untimely death is certainly a loss to the industry and will leave a void in journalism.”

The NPC expressed its condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Rossouw died on Monday. She had been treated for gastric complications on Saturday night and told family, friends and colleagues on Sunday that she was feeling better.

The DA and the government expressed sadness on Tuesday at her death.

“Her family, friends and colleagues have our deepest condolences and are in our thoughts and prayers this morning,” Democratic Alliance spokesman Mmusi Maimane said in a statement.

“During my time in politics I came to know Mandy well. She was the first journalist who ever interviewed me.”

Maimane said it was well-known in the DA that an interview with Rossouw was bound to be tough, rigorous and fair.

Government Communication and Information System acting CEO Phumla Williams said: “Government expresses its deepest condolences to her family, friends and the media industry. Her death is a huge loss to the media industry and South Africa.”

City Press editor Ferial Haffajee described Rossouw as a talented writer who gave her all to her work.

“She was a queen-pin and scoop-getter of our newsroom and a talented all-rounder. Beyond that, she was a dear friend for whom no effort was ever too much,” Haffajee said in statement.

“Her body was found yesterday 1/8Monday 3/8 after she uncharacteristically did not answer her phone. We are devastated at the sudden and shocking loss of a beloved, kind and talented colleague.”

Rossouw was Media24's international correspondent and City Press's political reporter. She also worked at Eyewitness News as a political reporter, and had worked for Beeld as a political reporter.

Last year, Rossouw released the book “Kings and Kingmakers” before the African National Congress's national elective conference in Mangaung in the Free State.

Her body would be flown to Cape Town and funeral arrangements would be relayed as soon as they became available. - Sapa