The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has expressed profound sadness at the passing of veteran SABC journalist Veronica Fourie, describing her as a deeply respected and much-loved figure in South Africa’s media landscape.
Fourie passed away on Monday morning after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Left an indelible mark
In a statement, SANEF extended its heartfelt condolences to Fourie’s family, friends and colleagues, honouring a woman whose journalism career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the profession.
Fourie, who had been enjoying her retirement in Jeffreys Bay, passed away in an ambulance while en route to hospital.
Despite her illness, she is remembered for facing her final chapter with remarkable grace, wisdom and her trademark “slash of red lipstick.”
Affectionately known as “Tannie V”, Fourie began her professional life as a qualified teacher before discovering her true calling in journalism.
Excelled in both radio and TV
Her career took her through several respected newsrooms, including The Herald, Die Oosterlig and Die Burger Eastern Cape, before she spent more than 20 years at the SABC newsroom in Gqeberha, where she excelled in both radio and television.
Colleagues say her journalism was shaped by deep empathy, particularly after the tragic loss of her child in a car crash – an experience that made her a trusted voice for sensitive and emotional interviews.
SABC News Eastern Cape Editor Jurie Blignaut paid tribute to her storytelling ability, saying:
“On radio, her words came alive. With that warm touch, she could coax an interview from even the most recalcitrant guest. Her contribution to SABC News is still felt today.”
Blignaut said Fourie’s strength lay in human-interest reporting, crime and court coverage, noting her acclaimed reporting on the Jayde Panayiotou murder case.
“By telling the human story, she made complex information accessible,” he said.
Remained active
Even in retirement, Fourie remained active in journalism, freelancing for the Kouga Express and writing her popular weekly column, “Veronica Vertel”.
Tributes also poured in from EP Media GM Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw and The Herald news editor Kathryn Kimberley, who described Fourie as a larger-than-life mentor to countless young journalists.
“She shared her knowledge and skills freely,” Blignaut added.
“She was an office mother – a shoulder to cry on and a hand to support.”
Fourie’s vibrant spirit endured despite her illness.
‘Loved wearing hats’
Her daughter, Erika Ferreira, said cancer never dimmed her mother’s joy for life.
“After her first chemo session, she lost her hair, but it didn’t faze her because she loved wearing hats. Just last weekend, she danced at a family wedding. She made every moment count.”
Her longtime friend and former colleague Janine Lee recalled their 25 years together at the SABC, where they were fondly nicknamed “007” for their playful office pranks. Lee said Fourie lived by a simple mantra when facing adversity.
“Put on your lipstick, put on your hat, and just get on with it.”
Veronica Fourie is survived by her daughter Erika Ferreira and son-in-law Dawson, her son Dr Ruhan Fourie, and her beloved grandchildren, Yula and Heston Jr Ferreira.
SANEF described her passing as a significant loss to South African journalism, saying her legacy of compassion, mentorship and storytelling excellence will continue to inspire generations to come.
Garrin Lambley
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