SANEF DEEPLY SADDENED BY DEATH OF ENCA CAMERAMAN
May 13, 2020
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened to hear
of the death of Lungile Tom, a cameraman, who worked at eNCA at the
company’s Cape Town office. Lungile was turning 46 this year.

Lungile Tom was admitted to hospital on Sunday night, May 10, with COVID-19
related symptoms.

He was tested and admitted to intensive care. Lungile’s test results confirmed
that he had COVID-19 and he passed away in hospital this morning, Wednesday
May 13.

eMedia Chief Operating Officer Antonio Lee said, “Lungile joined eNCA in
December 2013 as an ENG Camera Operator. Prior to this he worked at CNBC
Africa. He stated, “Lungile was known for his larger than life personality and his
dedication to his craft. His buoyant laughter will be sorely missed. Our thoughts
are with his wife, Nandipha and his children.”

We have been informed that eNCA in adherence with government regulations
have disinfected and closed the affected floor and that the company has
instituted a tracing and tracking process. Employees who have had contact with
Lungile have been advised to stay at home. They will be tested and will go into
self-isolation if needed.

SANEF believes that this tragic death points to the very dangerous work that
journalists do, working on the frontline. We call on all media companies to assist
journalists with protective gear and for journalists to be extra careful and follow
all safety precautions. We also call on media companies, where possible, to assist
journalists with trauma counselling. SANEF has included a number of resources
on its website to assist media companies and journalists in this very difficult
time. Please see a link to them here and here.

SANEF sends its heartfelt condolences to Lungile’s family, friends and colleagues.

Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit
organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists and journalism
trainers from all areas of the South African media. We are committed to
championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting

 quality, ethics and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence
in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions,
research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.