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Former South African ambassador to Uganda Jon Qwelane died in hospital on Thursday at the age of 68.
Born on September 10, 1952, Qwelane was a talk show host for 702 for a decade, according to the South African Journalists’ Wiki.
He was also a founding member of the South African Writers Association.
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Another sad news received from Sithembele Khala: “I am the bearer of bad news this morning. Jon Qwelane is no more, he died in hospital this morning … MHSRIP– Themba Ximba ???????? (@ThembaXimba) Dec 24, 2020
The veteran journalist’s death comes amid an ongoing legal battle over his controversial 2008 column, Call me names but gay ain’t right.
The Supreme Court of Appeals (SCA) last November overturned a High Court ruling that had previously found Qwelane guilty of hate speech and dismissed a challenge that launched article 10 of the Law on the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Discrimination Disloyal (PEPUDA), under which Qwelane was originally charged.
ALSO READ: ‘How hurtful’ Qwelane’s column really was, ask the judges
The appeals court determined that the section in question was vague, giving Parliament 18 months to remedy the defects and ordering PEPUDA to say in the meantime:
“No one can defend hatred on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation that constitutes incitement to cause harm”
The SCA ruling is now before the Constitutional Court for confirmation.
The tributes have already started to rain on social media for the veteran journalist.
In fact, the pen is more powerful than the sword. John Qwelane no longer exists. I loved your column when I was an aspiring journalist. Rest in eternal peace the controversial JQ. Your blood was dripping ink. #RIPJQ. pic.twitter.com/pylOdVgepR
– Themba Sepotokele (@ themba_s16) Dec 24, 2020
I hope that is not true.
JQ bra pic.twitter.com/DPjREKapaT– Mzwanele Manyi (@MzwaneleManyi) Dec 24, 2020
#RIP to Bra John Qwelane. He’s the reason so many of us fell in love with talk radio pic.twitter.com/DHJ597xFJG
– Kabelo_Tumelo (@ kabasa_tumelo99) Dec 24, 2020
Saddened to hear about your death Bra #JonQwelane. You have always been my hero during your days @ Radio702 and would literally search for articles written by you. Lala Ngoxolo MoAfrika! @SABreakingNews
– I’m African! (@clevvaNegro) Dec 24, 2020
Additional reporting by Bernadette Wicks
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