Windhoek
Staff at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) have described the late Allen Adonis, a senior employee and former television news anchor, as stern, professional and a true journalist who was quiet but always stood by what he believed to be right and just.
Adonis died instantly yesterday morning when his car collided with an oncoming truck just outside the public broadcaster’s headquarters in the Northern Industrial Area, while on his way to work.
NBC acting chief commercial manager Umbi Karuaihe-Upi said it is not only the NBC that is experiencing a loss, “but the entire country lost a great journalist and talented editor of note”.
“He was not only a colleague, but a friend to many. While he was a bit of an introvert, he was highly professional and one of the most sought-after TV newsreaders of his time. He will be sorely missed,” said Karuaihe-Upi.
According to Karuaihe-Upi, the 44-year-old Adonis started his career at NBC in 1993 as a reporter and was promoted to assistant editor in charge of radio output two years later.
“Subsequent to the restructuring of the NBC in April 2003, the late Adonis was appointed as senior sub-editor: radio news output, a position he held until his untimely death,” he said.
“It is indeed a sad day for the NBC family. How strange will it be not to see him anymore? Sitting in his quiet dignified manner, doing what he was best at, editing stories; or remembering him reading the news? Or just seeing him enjoy listening to his radio in his car?”
Natasha Tibinyane, the national director of MISA Namibia, yesterday said: “It is with great sadness that MISA Namibia hereby announces the passing of veteran broadcaster Alan Adonis, who perished in a car accident close to his workplace, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), this morning.”
Born on January 20, 1972, the late Adonis started his employment at NBC on January 11, 1993 as a reporter, and was promoted to assistant editor: radio output on September 1, 1995.
Subsequent to the restructuring of the NBC in April 2003, Adonis was appointed as senior sub-editor: radio news output, a position he held until his death.
“Adonis passionately served his nation, and the public’s reaction on social media is a clear indication of his popularity across the country. We wish to share our sincerest condolences to his wife Zenobia, two children, relatives, friends and his NBC colleagues. May you find peace in the knowledge that he used his life to inform, educate and empower his fellow citizens on issues that matter,” said Tibinyane.
Adonis is survived by his wife Zenobia Anthea Linn and twins aged 13 years. The memorial service and burial arrangements will be announced in due course.