Limpopo crash claims beloved journalist
"Everyone knew Sue Ettmayr. She was an absolute bundle of fun," according to the owner of Iron Crown Pub in Haenertsburg.
POLOKWANE – This was but one of the many tributes paid to Sue Ettmayr, who died in a motor vehicle incident last Friday evening, close to Stanford Lake College near Haenertsburg.
She lived “on the mountain”, near Haenertsburg for almost 30 years.
But Sue was so much more.
“She was a legend who worked with the Bang Bang Club in her young days as journalist at The Star,” Joe Dreyer, Editor at The Bulletin in Tzaneen told Review.
This was a group of four conflict photographers, Kevin Carter, Greg Marinovich, Ken Oosterbroek, and João Silva, who were active within the townships of South Africa between 1990 and 1994 during the transition from Apartheid to democracy.
This period included much factional violence, particularly fighting between ANC and IFP supporters, after the lifting of the bans on both political parties and the ‘bang bang’ refers to the sound of the guns in the township violence.
“She was one of the last of the old school journalists, without fear. I have known her for a very long time. I was one of the first on the scene of her accident after someone called me to say there was an accident.
“On my way there someone else phoned to tell me it was Sue. We have attended many an accident at the same place as journalists.”
Joline Nash, Group Editor of the Northern Media Group, where Sue has been working as a freelance journalist for the last 13 years, also has only fond memories of her.
“You gave a voice to the voiceless and told the stories of those who had been forgotten. You had the ability to take readers on a journey, some journeys had a happy ending and some not. You reminded us what it means to give 100%. For 13 years you were part of the Review editorial team, and even though we didn’t see you every day, you were always just a phone call away.
“There are so many great memories, that I can’t single only one out. I am honoured to have shared these memories with you. You made such a memorable impact in the community. Your place is empty now, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing that with us.”
Molebatsi Masedi, Spokesperson of the MEC of the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs described her as a journalist in the traditional sense of the word.
“Sue Ettmayr was a journalists’ journalist who stood for the truth and nothing else but the truth. She never shied away for telling it as it is, warts and all. She was deeply rooted in the close-knit community of Haenertsburg.
“I loved her honesty and energy as a person and journalist. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”
Sue’s friend Beverley Hartman spoke about Sue’s activism for human and animal rights.
“She wasn’t a nice person when she fought for what she saw as the right thing. She used to speak her mind about what was right.”
Sue was a great lover of nature, and the Vice-Chairperson of the Mountain Animal Protection Services.
Her love and concern for animals was shown clearly with a post on Facebook: “The land around the seven hectare property where I live in Limpopo has been cleared. Ahead is now a macadamia plantation. To the left there will be an avocado plantation. I wonder how this will impact on the existing wildlife, the duikers, the primates, the mongooses, the porcupines.”
Beverley said Sue had no children of her own “but everybody’s children were her children”.
Her Facebook page was also abuzz with messages of condolences from friends from all over the world.
“Sue’s passing is a great loss for me. We had quite a bit in common.. It was from my sister that I learned of Sue’s untimely death and I will mourn her with all my heart! Farewell and until we meet again!” a Facebook message from Prof Dr Wolfgang H Thome read.
He is a regular keynote speaker, panellist and moderator at regional and global events dealing with aviation, hospitality, tourism and conservation issues and sole proprietor of and publicist at ATC News. Other messages were received from friends in Germany, the UK and the US.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held in the Haenertsburg Village Hall on Friday, 19 July at 10:00.
A request was made for those who cannot make it but would like to say something about their friendship and history to kindly post their stories on Sue’s Facebook page, as her friends will ensure that the message will be read out during the service on Friday.
• Before Sue’s death, she submitted stories for this week’s edition. Read her last submissions on page 6. – Ed
