Top South African journalist dies tragically

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Tributes are pouring in from around the world for leading South African journalist Ben Said who drowned in Mozambique on Monday. 

Said's brother Nick on Tuesday confirmed the news, saying “we have lost a wonderful man”.

Said was snorkelling with friends in the Indian Ocean when he appeared to get into difficulty before drowning.

He had just rejoined the eNCA television channel as its director of news after working as an executive producer for TRT World in Turkey.  Prior to that, Said worked at eNCA for nearly 16 years, as producer, senior reporter and group news editor. 

eNCA's Editor Jeremy Maggs said “we are all in deep shock”.

The government issued a statement extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, saying “the death of a journalist of Said’s calibre makes the media profession poorer”. 

–0– PANA CU/MA 27Aug2019