Tuesday, 24 February 2026

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) mourns the passing of one of South Africa’s most respected journalists, Joe Latakgomo. His remarkable career spanned more than five decades, making him a true giant of South African media.

Latakgomo’s influence on journalism was profound. He was the founding editor of the Sowetan newspaper in 1981, a key platform for Black South African voices during the struggle against apartheid. Before that, he worked at The World and Weekend World — publications banned by the apartheid regime — and served in senior editorial roles at The Post, Sunday Post, The Star and the Argus Africa News Service. His leadership helped sustain courageous reporting through some of the most difficult periods in our history.

In recognition of his contribution and expertise, Latakgomo was awarded the prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University in 1991, and later served as Public Advocate of the Press Council of South Africa from 2018 to 2020, where he championed media accountability and integrity. His voice carried courage, conscience, and a commitment to the role of journalism in deepening democracy.

Beyond hard news, Latakgomo was a passionate sports storyteller authoring the book Mzansi Magic, Struggle, Betrayal & Glory: The Story of South African Soccer. He was inducted into the SAB Sports Journalists Hall of Fame and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South African Football Association for his contributions to sports journalism.

The EFF honours Joe Latakgomo’s legacy as a champion of truth. His work helped illuminate injustices and amplify the voices of the marginalised when it mattered the most. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, his family, friends, and the broader media fraternity in this time of loss.

May his soul rest in revolutionary peace.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581