Not a runof-the-mill journalist

Stafford had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the equity and bond markets — and could recall events at companies that most journalists had long forgotten. Older colleagues will recall that Stafford initially worked in an anteroom in the old FM office in Wale Street in Cape Town, where he would hold court in an atmosphere thick with smoke — sports reporters, messengers, advertising executives and other acolytes paying close attention to his musings on investing.

In his latter years Stafford relocated to Laingsburg. Though far removed from the financial centres, Stafford stayed on top of his game and continued to feature strongly in the various awards that are bestowed on financial journalists. Colleagues, particularly the commissioning editors and subeditors, will sorely miss Stafford, not only because of his incredible productivity, reassuring reliability and high-quality copy — but also for his colourful daily report of life out in the sticks. The FM offers its sincere condolences to Stafford’s family. He’s putting party needs and wants first. He’s not interested in the people and country and their needs. I never thought he would be manipulated so easily. I really thought he would live up to Madiba’s dream of a united SA and address the corruption issues in his government and party. I am very disappointed in him.

Investments aren’t working for the majority, they only cater for a few. Why do people refuse to see and/or accept this? We can’t let the status quo remain; better we risk it all than continue like this. Besides, it’s not up to him to say no — he has bosses to answer to in the ANC. If he doesn’t do it, they’ll get someone who will. Better a “smart, educated” man, than a dummy.