Media24 mourns passing of Jakes Gerwel

2012-11-28 15:52

Cape Town - Media24 mourns the passing of its chairperson Professor Jakes Gerwel on Wednesday, following a short illness.

Gerwel served as the chairperson of Media24 since 2007 when he took over the reins from Ton Vosloo, current chairperson of Naspers.

Gerwel also served on Naspers's board of directors and chaired Welkom Yizani, Media24's black empowerment partner, since its inception in 2006.

Media24 CEO Esmaré Weideman was devastated by the news. "Prof was not only a wonderful chairman, but also a true mentor.

"His quiet yet incisive leadership and insight into the media - and Media24 in particular - grounded us all.

"The first thing he always asked me, in our regular chats, was 'And how are the people?' He really loved this company.

"We have lost a father figure. Our thoughts are with his wife Phoebe and his family.”

Fellow directors on the Media24 board said the following:

Ruda Landman: "End of an era, of someone who made a difference during this crucial period in our country.

Professor Rachel Jafta: "We'll miss his dignified presence in so many aspects of our lives."

Professor Gerwel made a valuable contribution to the group and will be sorely missed by the board and all employees of Media24.

- News24