Former SAfm radio personality Rowena Baird succumbed to her battle with colon cancer on Friday.
Tributes of condolences for the seasoned broadcaster soon hit social media after the SAfm shared the news on Twitter. According to the station, Baird's sister confirmed that she passed away on Friday morning.
Former SAfm senior presenter on Morning Talk, Rowena Baird, has passed away. Her sister, Michelle Baird, has confirmed that she died this morning. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/U6JxKFAsbX
— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) October 5, 2018
According to Baird's profile on SAfm's website, she started her broadcasting career in the mid-1980s at Radio BOP.
Former SAfm senior presenter on Morning Talk, Rowena Baird, passed away this morning. Baird started her broadcasting in the 1980s. She spent time at a variety of radio stations over the years. They include Radio 2000, Channel Africa and Metro fm. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/NIdgdXfecV
— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) October 5, 2018
"She spent time at a variety of radio stations over the years, including, among others, stints at Radio 2000, Channel Africa and Metro FM. She’s read the news, presented magazine programmes, presented current affairs programmes, hosted music programmes, presented features and inserts and, of course, talk shows. Rowena also has Television experience presenting a series of voter education programmes and was a co-presenter of The Breakfast Club on SABC Television in the late 1990s," states the website.
Having been part of the media for most of her professional life, Baird interviewed a wide range of people, from politicians to comedians.
See tributes below.
Goodnight Rowena! See you in the morning. You made your mark and a phenomenal mark it was. We were never ready to even imagine you'd leave us so soon! Rest in Peace Rowena Baird! 💔 @safmnews pic.twitter.com/w41UlPNNz2
— Nomvula Mokonyane (@MamaAction_RSA) October 5, 2018
@positivegp I am shocked and saddened. I knew she wasn't well but I just never thought this day will come. I am so heartbroken may Mama Rowena Baird rest in peace. She always updated us on her situation fighting with Cancer. Just miss her laughter but yah we just have to accept
— Just S'fiso.... (@sfisomlondo74) October 5, 2018
Broken by the passing of radio veteran Rowena Baird #RIPRowenaBaird May her soul rest in perfect peace 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/LXChxCU6fM
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) October 5, 2018
My heart is breaking! Rowena Baird, broadcast legend and my colleague at @SAfmRadio has passed away. Rest In Peace Aus Rowena, I'll always remember you fondly. You fought a brave fight to the very end. You were a consummate professional! 💔💔 #RIPRowenaBaird pic.twitter.com/AJFXshZrrs
— Khanyi Magubane (@Khanyi_Magubane) October 5, 2018