Editor was fearless fighter for press freedom
Raymond Louw‚ a former editor of the Rand Daily Mail and Sunday Times‚ chair of the South African chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa and vice-president of PEN SA‚ has died aged 93.
His death in hospital after undergoing surgery comes 24 hours after the death of his wife, Jean‚ who did not recover after a fall.
Louw was brave in the face of apartheid repression and campaigned for freedom of the press throughout his career.
He was instrumental in establishing‚ and went on to lead‚ the Media Defence Trust that was set up under apartheid to defend journalists against then encroaching state censorship and detention. Most recently‚ he was outspoken about politicians who seek to intimidate journalists and a host of laws in democratic South Africa that affect media freedom.
Tributes to the respected journalist are being shared by those who worked with him. The World Editors’ Forum’s Cherilyn Ireton described Louw as “South Africa’s great press freedom champion”.
“His was a lifelong service and fight for the freedoms journalists now enjoy.
“And what a dancer! Hamba
Gashle [sic]‚” Ireton tweeted. “Raymond Louw. An exemplary journalist‚ a fighter for freedom‚ a fabulous editor and an activist from his Twenties to his Nineties. What a life!
“And what a love with Jean. RIP Ray Louw and Jean. We love you and learnt so much‚” said Ferial Haffajee.
Adriaan Basson tweeted: “A giant has fallen. RIP oom Raymond Louw‚ 24 hours after his wife‚ Jean. Privileged that I could have learnt from someone who dedicated his life to press freedom. We shall continue to carry the torch.”
John Matisonn posted on Facebook: “He embodied courageous and principled journalism‚ an editor and fighter against injustice at a time when we most needed one.”
They leave their son Derek and daughter Fiona Ramsay.
Details of the memorial service are to follow.