{"id":885808,"date":"2026-01-17T17:29:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T23:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/17\/rip-tributes-pour-in-after-veteran-sabc-journalist-veronica-fourie-dies\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T17:29:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T23:29:16","slug":"rip-tributes-pour-in-after-veteran-sabc-journalist-veronica-fourie-dies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/17\/rip-tributes-pour-in-after-veteran-sabc-journalist-veronica-fourie-dies\/","title":{"rendered":"RIP | Tributes pour in after veteran SABC journalist Veronica Fourie dies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The South African National Editors\u2019 Forum (SANEF)<\/strong> has expressed profound sadness at the passing of veteran SABC journalist Veronica Fourie<\/strong>, describing her as a deeply respected and much-loved figure in South Africa\u2019s media landscape.<\/p>\n

Fourie passed away on Monday <\/strong>morning after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Left an indelible mark<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In a statement<\/a>, SANEF extended its heartfelt condolences to Fourie\u2019s family, friends and colleagues, honouring a woman whose journalism career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the profession.<\/p>\n

Fourie, who had been enjoying her retirement in Jeffreys Bay<\/strong>, passed away in an ambulance while en route to hospital. <\/p>\n

Despite her illness, she is remembered for facing her final chapter with remarkable grace, wisdom and her trademark \u201cslash of red lipstick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Affectionately known as \u201cTannie V\u201d<\/strong>, Fourie began her professional life as a qualified teacher before discovering her true calling in journalism. <\/p>\n

Excelled in both radio and TV<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Her career took her through several respected newsrooms, including The Herald<\/strong>, Die Oosterlig<\/strong> and Die Burger Eastern Cape<\/strong>, before she spent more than 20 years at the SABC newsroom in Gqeberha<\/strong>, where she excelled in both radio and television.<\/p>\n

Colleagues say her journalism was shaped by deep empathy, particularly after the tragic loss of her child in a car crash \u2013 an experience that made her a trusted voice for sensitive and emotional interviews.<\/p>\n

SABC News Eastern Cape Editor Jurie Blignaut<\/strong> paid tribute to her storytelling ability, saying:
\u201cOn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blignaut said Fourie\u2019s strength lay in human-interest reporting<\/strong>, crime and court coverage, noting her acclaimed reporting on the Jayde Panayiotou murder case<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy telling the human story, she made complex information accessible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Remained active<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even in retirement, Fourie remained active in journalism, freelancing for the Kouga Express<\/strong> and writing her popular weekly column, \u201cVeronica Vertel\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Tributes also poured in from EP Media GM Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw<\/strong> and The Herald news editor Kathryn Kimberley<\/strong>, who described Fourie as a larger-than-life mentor to countless young journalists.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe shared her knowledge and skills freely,\u201d Blignaut added. <\/p>\n

\u201cShe was an office mother \u2013 a shoulder to cry on and a hand to support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fourie\u2019s vibrant spirit endured despite her illness. <\/p>\n

\u2018Loved wearing hats\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Her daughter, Erika Ferreira<\/strong>, said cancer never dimmed her mother\u2019s joy for life.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter her first chemo session, she lost her hair, but it didn\u2019t faze her because she loved wearing hats. Just last weekend, she danced at a family wedding. She made every moment count.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her longtime friend and former colleague Janine Lee<\/strong> recalled their 25 years together at the SABC, where they were fondly nicknamed \u201c007\u201d<\/strong> for their playful office pranks. Lee said Fourie lived by a simple mantra when facing adversity.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut on your lipstick, put on your hat, and just get on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Veronica Fourie is survived by her daughter Erika Ferreira and son-in-law Dawson<\/strong>, her son Dr Ruhan Fourie<\/strong>, and her beloved grandchildren, Yula and Heston Jr Ferreira<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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