Media freedom stalwart Raymond Louw has died

Award-winning journalist and editor Raymond Louw, who was a frequent freelance writer on various media platforms, has died at the age of 93.

Louw was well-versed in political and government affairs throughout his career.

Born in 1926, he received many accolades ranging from the Mondi-Shanduka Newspaper Lifetime Achiever Award, the International Press Institute Award for Press Freedom Campaigning in 2010, and Media Institute of South Africa’s Media Freedom Award.

News of Louw’s passing surfaced on Wednesday morning and details surrounding his death are still to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in for the veteran wordsmith.

Sad news indeeed! Just heard that Raymond Louw has passed away. May his gracious revolutionary spirit Rest In Peace. We will miss him in the sector. Robala ka kgotso tau… @MediaMattersZA @Billbobbird @mailandguardian @SAEditorsForum @PressCouncil_SA @aip_sa pic.twitter.com/mL52NovtnM

— Darkie Wa Sokola (@CarollZA) June 5, 2019

Raymond Louw an activist to the end and media freedom stalwart. We will miss you. Thank you for all your support over the last 25 years! #RaymondLouw @MediaMattersZA

— William Bird (@Billbobbird) June 5, 2019

Raymond Louw. An exemplary journalist, a fighter for freedom, a fabulous editor and an activist from his Twenties to his Nineties. What a life! And what a love 💕 with Jean. #RIPRayLouw and Jean. We love you and learnt so much. https://t.co/mhUF9YDFEt

— Ferial Haffajee (@ferialhaffajee) June 5, 2019

RIP #RaymondLouw, fighter for a free press and against apartheid pic.twitter.com/tli7xvRn2K

— Russell Grinker (@grinker1) June 5, 2019

#RaymondLouw giant of media freedom has died. He died within 24 hours of his wife, Jane’s, passing. So sad….. https://t.co/IRbS3JtOm4

— Justine Limpitlaw (@JustineLimLaw) June 5, 2019

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