SA film-maker killed in accident

The son of CPUT acting vice-chancellor John Volmink, also named John Volmink, died after being hit by a car.

The son of CPUT acting vice-chancellor John Volmink, also named John Volmink, died after being hit by a car.

Published Feb 28, 2017

Share

Cape Town – The son of Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) acting vice-chancellor John Volmink, also named John Volmink, died after being hit by a car while on his way home in Rosebank, Joburg.

According to his father, the 33-year-old – fondly known as JJ – was crossing the road when a car knocked him over, killing him.

“I am gutted. After the passing of my wife three years ago, JJ then became the pillar of the family."

"Losing and mourning a child is an entirely different feeling than losing a spouse,” said Volmink.

Volmink was on his way to Joburg to identify the body.

“I am fearful of what I will see. I am currently dealing with the logistics and that is delaying the process of my mourning.”

In 2008, along with Isaac Mogajane, JJ set out to pursue his lifelong passion for film-making and launched a direct-to-customer distribution company aimed at servicing the rapidly growing market for local films.

In 2009, the pair met their third partner, Kagiso Lediga, and founded Diprente Films.

Since then, JJ produced some of South Africa’s most iconic TV shows and films, including the International Emmy-nominated news satire Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, Blitz Patrollie, The Bantu Hour featuring jazz legend Hugh Masekela, as well as the upcoming feature film Catching Feelings, starring Kagiso Lediga, Pearl Thusi, Akin Omotoso and Andrew Buckland.

JJ was also involved in the development and early production of a number of large-scale international productions across multiple media, including film, television and animation.

Despite his early and unexpected passing, his legacy will live on through his projects and through the work that Diprente Films and everyone he has inspired will continue to create in the years to come.

He leaves his wife Kristie and their daughter Hannah.

Cape Argus

Related Topics: