Media industry mourns passing of Allister Sparks
The media fraternity on Tuesday mourned the loss of veteran journalist Allister Sparks.
Sparks passed away at the Morningside Clinic in Sandton on Monday at the age of 83.
Sparks was an experienced journalist, author and political commentator who developed and trained journalists, especially during his tenure as an editor of the Rand Daily Mail.
Filmmaker Anant Singh said Sparks was an icon of the journalism fraternity who will be remembered for his commitment to documenting South Africa's liberation history.
"I was introduced to him by Madiba who had great admiration and respect for him. As South Africans we owe him a debt of gratitude for his support of the freedom struggle and for his dedication to the values of democracy and human rights. Our love and condolences go to his family. May he rest in peace," Singh said.
#AllisterSparks: a pioneer, a journalist's journalist. His voice will be missed. #RIP.
— Pippa Green (@green_pippa) September 20, 2016
#AllisterSparks A pen of the finest pedigree draws in its ink. To rest after bearing witness then. And now. A journalist's journalist.
— Ferial Haffajee (@ferialhaffajee) September 20, 2016
#AllisterSparks brought the African continent, which we didnt know much about, to our news room. I'm grateful to be his product. R.I.P
— Tsidi Bishop (@TsidiBish) September 20, 2016
A great #Journalist who "inculcated a spirit of robustness in SA civil society" bc "journalism comes w/ responsibility" RIP #AllisterSparks pic.twitter.com/QksEVzn9H7
— sofia moreira sousa (@sofiamoreir) September 19, 2016
Rest in Peace, Sir. You faught a good fight. Thank you!!! #AllisterSparks
— Zelda la Grange ✌ (@ZeldalaGrangeSA) September 19, 2016