SABC saddened at tragic death of Hope Zinde
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has learnt with sadness and shock about the tragic death of former SABC board member Hope Zinde, the public broadcaster said on Sunday.
A stellar journalist, Ms Zinde began her career at the SABC in 1991. Over the years she grew through the ranks holding positions such as writer and producer for current affairs programmes,” the SABC said.
“In 2000, Ms Zinde became an anchor and executive producer at SABC Africa. During her time at SABC Africa she anchored the news and current affairs programme ‘Perspective’ and co-anchored ‘180 Degrees’, a news slot within SABC Africa.
“Ms Zinde then left the organisation and later re-joined the SABC family as a board member when she was appointed in September 2013,” it said.
SABC board chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe said Zinde as a journalist “worked tirelessly in the broadcasting arena in both television and radio”.
“Her experience and knowledge over the years eventually led her to being part of the SABC board. She served the board to the best of her ability during her tenure and the South African public has lost a giant in the field of journalism and broadcasting.”
The SABC board, management, and staff sent deepest condolences to Zinde’s family and friends.
In another statement on Sunday, the Democratic Alliance also sent its deepest condolences to Zinde’s family and friends.
“Her passion for public broadcasting was such that she was appointed to the SABC board where she fought to protect the SABC’s independence, DA spokeswoman Phumzile van Damme said.
“The DA thanks Ms Zinde for her contributions to strengthening our democracy. In her, our country has lost a passionate, fearless, and dedicated broadcaster and advocate for a truly independent SABC.
“Her legacy lives on and it is for her that we all as South Africans should continue to protect and build and [an] SABC we can all be proud of,” Van Damme said.
According to media reports, Zinde’s body was discovered in the boot of her car at her Hartbeespoort Dam home in North West on Saturday. It was believed she had died on Monday.
Her 28-year-old son had reportedly been taken in by police for questioning about her murder.