Revered journalist Saint Molakeng dies
Writer and commentator, 51, praised for his intellect
Family and friends have described veteran journalist Saint P Molakeng as a skilled writer who embodied intelligence and love for his family.
Molakeng, a former Sowetan reporter, died from diabetic complications at the Life Flora Clinic in Roodepoort on the West Rand on Saturday morning, aged 51.
His wife Mmapaballo said: “My husband had diabetes. He was admitted on Friday around 9pm. The doctor called me on Saturday and told me he was not feeling well and had sadly passed on. I was shattered. I didn’t see this coming.”
Mmapaballo described her husband as a loving father who had a great sense of humour.
“He loved his kids to bits and he loved me too. Since he was a journalist, he always had something to talk about. He was intelligent and good at expressing himself freely and was not shy.
“He loved cracking jokes as well. There was never a dull moment when he was around.”
Molakeng and Mmapaballo have four children.
Close friend and former colleague at Sowetan Sandile Memela heaped praise on Molakeng, describing him as “one of the most talented and highly skilled journalists in the country”.
“He was an insightful and articulate voice who was able to say the obvious things in the most extraordinary way. Essentially, it was his outstanding talent and skill that made people notice him.
“At an early age, having graduated with a distinction in English from Wits University in the mid-1980s, he made a dramatic entry into journalism as a feature writer, columnist and book reviewer,” Memela said.
“Molakeng was a humble and self-effacing intellectual writer whose versatile talent saw him excel in analytical commentary on entertainment, profile features, general news and current affairs… The journalism fraternity, both print and broadcasting, has lost a devoted and committed media professional who let his talent do the talking.”
Molakeng worked at publications such as the Weekly Mail, New Nation, New Age, True Love and Drum magazines.
Mmapaballo said details of the memorial and funeral services will be announced once discussions have been finalised with the family.