‘SABC 8’ journalist Suna Venter dies
SUNA Venter‚ one of the journalists who came to be known as the SABC 8‚ was found dead in her flat in Fairlands in Johannesburg yesterday morning.
The journalist was a senior producer of RSG Current Affairs and had recently been diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy‚ also known as broken heart syndrome‚ her family said yesterday.
The condition is said to have been caused by trauma and prolonged periods of stress.
Venter, 32, was one of eight journalists suspended by the SABC after they voiced their concern about editorial policies, including the policy of refusing to air protest footage‚ which have subsequently been reversed by the new interim board at the national broadcaster following a parliamentary inquiry.
The journalists were all dismissed from their positions‚ but the Labour Court reversed this after an application was made‚ and the dismissals were found to be wrongful.
Her family said in the year since the SABC8 came under fire‚ Venter was the victim of continued intimidation‚ victimisation and death threats.
She had received threatening SMS messages, her flat was broken into on numerous occasions‚ the brake cables of her car were cut and her car’s tyres slashed.
She was abducted and tied to a tree at the Melville Koppies, while the grass around her was set alight.
On a separate occasion earlier this year‚ she was shot in the face with an unknown weapon and had to undergo surgery to remove metal pellets.
During the past year‚ she was assaulted on three separate occasions.
“Those closest to her believe that her condition was exacerbated – if not caused – by the events of the past year‚” a family member said.
Venter worked at the SABC for eight years.
RSG Current Affairs executive producer Foeta Krige said Venter was passionate about international news and current affairs at home and abroad. She also had a deep love for Syria. “She cared so much about the situation in Syria that she took leave right after the war began to report for RSG from the frontlines‚” Krige said.
“She remained passionate about the welfare of the children she encountered on these assignments.”
As part of the SABC 8‚ her aim was to establish an independent newsroom free from editorial interference.
Krige said Venter was one of the most dedicated and passionate journalists that he had ever had the pleasure of working with. – BusinessLIVE