AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
SOUTH African from all of life – from journalists, editors, politicians to scientists – have paid warm tributes to journalist, television anchor and political analyst Karima Brown who died from COVID-19 related complications.
Brown, who hosted “The Fix” on ENCA, passed away in the morning and was buried yesterday afternoon, in accordance with Muslim rites. Friends, colleagues and ordinary South Africans took to social media to bid farewell to Brown, who worked, among others, at the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Independent Media and Business Day.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbulala, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and Public Works Minister Patricia de Lille are among those who paid tribute to Brown as a fearless journalist who was knowledgeable of politics – the subject she reported on.
De Lille said: “Extremely sadenned by the passing of veteran journalist #KarimaBrown. Karima was a hard hitting journalist, a stalwart known for her excellent probing skills. My condolences to her family, colleagues & friends. The fourth estate is poorer without her. RIP Karima.”
Professor Thuli Madonsela, a former Public Protector, academic and social justice activist said: “Still battling to wrap my mind around the news that Karima Brown is no more. This shocked me to the core. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleauges. Thank you for your fearless commitment to necessary conversations.”
Journalist and editor Ferial Haffajee said: “Oh, #Karima Brown – soldier, journalist, activist, uber interpreter of our maladies. How heart-breaking! And a COVID-19 wrench. Rest in peace.”
Veteran journalist Ashraf Garda said: “I’m saddened by news of the passing away of #KarimaBrown from Covid19 related causes. We worked together when she was executive producer on SAfm’s Am Live .She struck me then as a driven, fearless leader that backed her team. My dua prayers are for her and her family.
In a statement, Brown’s family said: “Karima was not just a prolific and well-known South African journalist and commentator, with deep footprints in print and broadcast media, but also and more importantly a well-loved friend, mentor, mother, colleague, daughter, and confidante to countless people throughout a life lived fully, and with deep commitment to her most cherished values and principles.
“We are enormously proud of the fierce determination she had shown, since her early years, to get involved in bringing about a more just, inclusive, and anti-racist South Africa. This determination also shaped her fearless approach to journalism. She was driven by a conviction that journalism must be in service of justice.
“We are massively grateful for and humbled by the countless messages of support, and prayers, during Karima’s recent hospitalisation. These comfort us as a family during this profoundly painful experience of loss.”
