02 Apr 2014

The media fraternity was, on March 30, shocked by the untimely demise of Mr Sakarea Makgapha, a Sunday Standard reporter.

Known in media circles as Zakes, Mr Makgapha died along the Mmashoro/Serowe Road when his vehicle was involved in an accident. A passenger also died while three others escaped with serious injuries.

Colleagues have described Mr Makgapha as an epitome of young and courageous journalist who wanted to rekindle in others the need to learn more.

A former colleague, Mr Godfrey Ganetsang described Mr Makgapha as a fearless and unrelenting journalist, who respected the media profession and always upheld media ethics in his reporting.

Mr Ganetsang said such a conduct was what endeared him to many stakeholders, industry captains and politicians. Meanwhile, tributes and messages of condolences in the social media continued to pour in for this young man from Ramokgonami in the Tswapong area.

In his message, Mr Andrew Sesinyi, a journalist and writer wrote “It always pains me deeply when one of us (media) dies. I can’t explain it but through the trade of being the ones to deliver the news, I guess it hurts most when we report or hear tragic news about ourselves. Nonetheless, we feel consoled when we know the affected one of us had used his short life to achieve and shine so quickly, so much.”

Politician, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe described the passing away of Zakes as a “secretive departure” and that his being must have been aware of his possible appointment with the tragic car accident which violently separated him from his earthly garment.

Zakes started his career at Botswana Gazette in 2010 after graduating from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology with an Associate Degree in Journalism.

His hard work and dedication soon drew the attention of other bosses in the media industry, and it was no surprise when Zakes joined The Patriot in 2012.

He later moved on to Sunday Standard and The Telegraph where he served in different beats such as the political and crime/court beats until the day he passed on.

He will be buried in his home village of Ramokgonami on Saturday. His memorial service will be held tomorrow, April 3 at Tsholofelo Hall  in Broadhurst at 6pm. ends