Tributes paid to local scribes who were Durban institutions
FAMILY and friends this week paid tribute and celebrated the lives of two former journalists.
Well-known sports reporter Tommy Ballantyne passed away in hospital on New Year’s eve at the age of 88 following Covid-related complications.
Renowned consumer columnist Colleen Shearer died on Monday at the age of 90 after a short illness.
After starting her career as a bacteriologist, Shearer made her mark with her “Talking Shop” consumer column in the for 19 years.
Her dedication earned her two Checkers national consumer awards, the Durban Rotary Club citizen of the year award as well as other consumer awards.
In a tribute by her son-in-law Haydn Kelly, he said Shearer made many high-profile businessmen think twice before attempting to take advantage of the ordinary consumer, and she was not afraid to spend time in court to defend their rights.
“Perhaps her greatest victory was her journey via Parliament that allowed consumers to purchase reading glasses over the counter, despite vigorous opposition by the South African Optometric Society.”
Haydn described her as an incredible human being and someone who embraced life no matter what.
Shearer’s former colleague Ingrid Shevlin met her when she joined the
in the late ‘70s. “I was fresh from working in the consumer service, Action Line, which had been abruptly closed down. So it was left to Colleen, then the
consumer columnist, to play David against the Goliaths of the Kwazulu-natal business world. There was no one better to play the role of defender and protector of consumers.
“Colleen was indefatigable in her pursuit of justice for the ‘little’ man. Fearless and driven to always get to the truth, she was also endlessly kind, wise and compassionate. But it was probably her integrity and sense of fairness that served her best when faced with dishonesty and corruption. Despite the recognition and awards, she always remained humble, and will be much missed,” said Shevlin.
Consumer writer Wendy Knowler met Shearer when she was 15 years old through her school friend, Gigha, Shearer’s daughter.
“As she worked from home I was able to witness her process, and occasionally be part of it. When we were in matric, I was among a handful of Gigha’s friends who were roped in to test competing brands of hair remover for a comparison column Colleen was writing. A photo of us with whitesmeared legs was published in her column, much to our delight. Her exposés infuriated the targeted corporates, and my teen self loved that.
“I’m eternally grateful to Colleen for inspiring me, and believing in me. Rest in peace, Colleen. You were an absolute legend,” said Knowler.
Ballantyne worked for Independent Newspapers from 1984 to 2019. He wrote a sports column for the
called Sportfolio. The dance writer for the for over 30 years, he also had a column called Tommy’s Tidings in the
Ballantyne’s daughter, Tammy, said her dad was an exceptional athlete.
“Soccer was his passion, but he also loved road-running, completing the Comrades Marathon among other well-known races. In his later years he took up swimming and after 20 years of reporting on the Midmar Mile, he decided to swim the race, completing his last Mile at the age of 85.
“Tommy was a prolific writer and an incredible newspaperman to the end. He will be remembered and revered for inspiring generations of artists and sportsmen and women, and for his dedication and passion for young people. He raced around Durban on his motorbike, chasing stories and quotes, ever-noticeable with his shock of silver hair and his camera slung around his neck. Tommy was a legend and icon to thousands,” said Tammy.
Said journalist Kamlesh Gosai: “I met him when I started out as a football reporter, and was in awe when I learnt that he was an ex-rhodesia international, and the only player to have scored a hat-trick against legendary England goalkeeper Gordon Banks. I never met a fitter person for his age.”
Former editor Alan Dunn described Ballantyne as a tireless professional who loved and covered a variety of sports. “Even in later years, his stamina and formidable work rate were extraordinary, his attention to detail unwavering. He was an authentic role model for younger journalists, a stickler for accuracy who took each assignment as though it was a cup final,” said Dunn. Mike Tarr, former and
sports editor, said Ballantyne was always smiling and willing to do anything and not complain.
“He was an absolute pleasure work with,” said Tarr. to