‘Oom Randfontein Herald’ passes away
Desmond Dickson, who has been described as a legend of the community, sadly passed away on June 16. He was also an avid Herald reader and regular writer in the letter section.
A dark cloud has fallen over the community of Toekomsrus after one of its prominent residents and avid reader of the Randfontein Herald, as well as regular letter writer, Desmond Daniel Dickson passed away at the age of 62.
This was on June 16 and comes after suffering from an illness over the past few months.
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Family spokesperson Enrique Bhana said his memorial service will be held at 1331 Plakkies Street in Toekomsrus from 18:00 to 19:00 on June 20.
“Mr Dickson has been struggling with an illness for the past months and he sadly passed away on Friday, June 16 which is a very historical day. We know the day as Youth Day and coincidentally, Dickson was very passionate about youth and youth development. We would like to remember him as a change-maker and legend of this township of Toekomsrus and for the legacy that he has left as well.
He wrote a lot of letters to the Herald and they were published weekly. The community even resorted to calling him ‘Oom Randfontein Herald’.
“We are saddened by his death and we wish for him to rest in peace and rise in glory. He will sadly be missed, not only by the family but by the community at large,” said Bhana.
Meanwhile, Dickson worked as a journalist before but he never really put down his pen and paper. He would write a string of letters to the Herald every week, highlighting some of the challenges faced by the community, and also raising awareness on pertinent issues.
He will be buried on Thursday, June 22 and details about his funeral will be communicated once available.
Herald editor Clinton Botha will forever cherish Mr Dickson’s contribution to the newspaper.
“How will I ever forget Mr Dickson’s Afrikaans letters? He was one-of-a-kind and did I even have to explain to my superiors and sub-editors we cannot change Mr Dickson’s wording because that is Oom Des just being Oom Des. Words such as Afdraandfontein, beslommernisse, bekkige skroomlose politici and wrintiewaar, to name just a few were truly Oom Des at his very best.
Our sincere condolences to the Dickson family. To you, I just want to say he was truly a caring member of society who just wanted politicians to see the light.
“Oom Des was part of this light and if Oom Des was ever a candidate for president, I would have voted for him purely because of how much he adores and cares for his community as well as the people living in it.
“I thank you Mr Dickson for all the years of making us smile through your use of words. Rest in peace Oom Randfontein Herald.”
Some of his notable letters published can be found below:
• Ons is Afdraandfontein
• Beskerm ons kinders en beweeg SA vorentoe
• Die Afrikaanses is plesierig
• Dit gaan maar sleg hier met dienslewering
• Toekies het verkleur
