Receiving an award on Nelson Mandela Day was the best feeling for former SABC journalist Ashok Ramsarup.
The 63-year-old, who retired as senior producer for Lotus FM’s Newsbreak at the end of May, received a Health Justice Lifetime Achievement Award at the Phoenix Settlement.
The award was conferred by Citizen News Service and People’s Health Organisation and was handed over by Ela Gandhi, peace activist and granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.
Ramsarup, who spent 32 years at the SABC and 12 years in print media, said he was inspired by Nelson Mandela, who he met in 1990.
He said Mandela called him an “honest journalist” and asked him to be “the voice of the voiceless”.
“I always strived to be a voice for the voiceless. I also always believed in maintaining tolerance, understanding and respect,” he said.
Still recuperating from an operation in April, Ramsarup said he missed chasing the latest news and his 3am shifts.
When he recovers fully, Ramsarup plans to mentor up-and-coming journalists.
The Westville grandfather also plans to brush up on his piano-playing skills.