LEGENDARY journalist Derrick Thema (73) has been laid to rest.
The renowned author and actor worked for some of Mzansi’s biggest media houses such as the SABC and The Citizen.
At The Star, he became the first black editor.
He was hailed as a giant who excelled in everything.
His funeral service was held on Thursday, 6 January in Meadowlands, Soweto in an intimate send-off attended by family members and close friends.
Speaking during the service, his close friend Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, who paid tribute in a musical number, said he’s heartbroken.
“We had an amazing relationship
We’d fight but the next day we’d be together as if nothing happened. He was kind, loving and always there when I needed him,” he said.
“We shared great memories.”
His daughter, actress and TV presenter Nonhle Thema couldn’t hold back her tears and described her dad as passionate and loving.
“He wanted the best for us as his children and he was always present in our lives. I don’t remember ever needing something that he wasn’t able to provide,” she said.
I’ll forever be grateful to him as he taught us a lot.
“He was a soft man, a brilliant man and a pioneer and I’m going to miss him a lot. As he is laid to rest today I’ll continue his legacy and ensure it lives on.”
She said she hoped one day they will write the book telling his life story and how he shaped Mzansi through his penmanship.
His childhood friend Tom Phatsoe said he’s heartbroken.
“But I take comfort knowing that Derrick lived a full life and left a great legacy behind,” he said.
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