Venter equated to a lioness at emotional memorial service
“YOU were a lioness who protected her loved ones, I was so proud of you.” This was how the brother of the late SABC senior radio producer Suna Venter described her at a memorial service held at the Dutch Reformed Church in Fairland, Johannesburg.
Wilhelm Venter held back his tears as he paid tribute to his sister yesterday at the service attended by family, friends and colleagues.
Venter, 32, was part of the SABC 8 – a group of journalists suspended from the public broadcaster after they voiced their concern about unlawful interference in the newsroom and editorial policy.
Venter’s body was discovered in her apartment in Fairland on Thursday. She had been suffering from a heart condition known as stress cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome”, believed to be caused by trauma and prolonged, severe stress.
“I wish a few things for you, that there’s chocolate cheese cake in heaven for you, that you know we loved you,” Willem said.
Venter’s sister, Tessa, said Suna had the softest heart and a love for words which made her a world-class journalist.
“I wish I could have you back just to tell you how much love I had for you,” Tessa said. “We will stay sad for a very long time.”
Venter was passionate about international news and current affairs.
She was also part of a number of humanitarian missions in war-torn Libya, Gaza, Egypt and Syria. – ANA