The late Ronelle Rademeyer (56) has been lauded for her immense contribution to the media industry, chiefly for forming part of the team that revised the current code of ethics, which paved the way for Namibia’s self-regulated press.
Rademeyer died on Monday evening, following a battle with cancer.
The veteran scribe started her journey in the late 90s, working for publications in South Africa before ending up at the Republikein, an Afrikaans daily, where she went on to become the news editor.
Rademeyer served as secretary general of the Editors Forum of Namibia between 2017 and 2022 after the disease forced her to retire prematurely at the Afrikaans daily, the Southern African Editors’ Forum (SAEF) recalls.
Willie Mponda, SAEF’s chairperson, said Rademeyer was instrumental in organising the EFN Journalism Awards from 2018 to
2023, and in stabilising their finances.
“She did this through her persuasion of the Namibian industry executives to support good and ethical journalism by sponsoring cash prizes for the awards and buying tables at the awards’ ceremonies,” he stated.
He added: “She will always be remembered for her dedication to journalism and the EFN, which she helped propel into an exemplary self-regulatory chapter in the Southern African Development Community and on the continent.”
Sharing its grief, the Namibia Media Professionals’ Union (Nampu) indicated that the late veteran journalist’s career was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her dedication to the craft and relentless pursuit of truth and
fairness set her apart as a beacon of journalistic integrity.
“She was a true professional, who brought depth and insight to every story she covered, and her contributions to the field of journalism in Namibia are immeasurable,” said the acting Nampu secretary general, Jemima Beukes.
Beukes, a journalist at one of the local papers, highlighted that beyond her professional achievements, Rademeyer was a pillar of support and a mentor to many, particularly young reporters who were just starting their careers.
“She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and included. Ronelle was always ready to offer guidance, whether it was consulting colleagues on work and media matters, or sharing her extensive knowledge on various subjects. Her willingness to help others and her generous spirit created an environment of learning and growth in the newsroom,” recalled Beukes.
She stated, “Graciousness and understanding extended beyond her professional life. She was soft-hearted and approachable, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. Her empathy and genuine care for her colleagues made her a beloved figure in the media community.”
President Nangolo Mbumba stated that in her different roles, including as editor of Die Republikein and secretary general of the EFN, Rademeyer was a passionate public interest journalist who played a pivotal role in the advancement of the media and journalistic landscape in Namibia.
“She will be remembered for her commitment to a culture of ethics in journalism and press freedom. Even though the Presidency and the government have lost a valuable partner in the media landscape, we find comfort in the invaluable contributions of Rademeyer in the development of journalism and a professional press corps in Namibia,” said Mbumba.
Spokesperson of the agriculture ministry Jona Musheko said as a dedicated journalist covering agriculture for Republikein, Rademeyer made memorable contributions to the dissemination of information in the sector.
“We hope that her passion and commitment will continue to inspire us all to continue informing the Namibian nation wholeheartedly,” he stated.