Versatile photojournalist is no more

The South African media fraternity suffered a terrible blow, following the death of the multiple-award-winning, prolific photojournalist Elijar Mushiana (41).

Mushiana lost his battle against colon cancer at Polokwane MediClinic on Sunday morning.

A former correspondent of Limpopo Mirror and a founder member of the Vhembe Media Association, Mushiana was the photographic head of the Sowetan's bureau in Polokwane at the time of his death.

Born and bred at Tshimbupfe village near Vuwani, Mushiana developed an interest in photography at an early age, leading him to win many awards during his journalism career, which lasted for more than 20 years. One of the most important highlights of his career was when he won the 2012 Sowetan Photographer of the Year award. Before joining the Sowetan, Mushiana established the Northern Independent Press Association (NIPA), of which he was a director.

His sister, Mashudu, said the family was still in shock after their loss. “It is an extremely sad moment for us as a family. We will always remember him as a loving person who could not even hurt a fly. His death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but his love leaves a memory no one can steal from us.”

Elmon Tshikhudo, journalist of Limpopo Mirror, was groomed by Mushiana. “I was just an ordinary photographer and I never thought of venturing into the media industry. We used to attend events together and Mushiana encouraged me to take journalism seriously. He also taught me camera-handling skills. We have really lost a pillar of strength in the media fraternity. During his time as chairperson of the Vhembe Media Forum, he volunteered his time to help in fostering unity among local journalists. Painfully, we came to understand that God, our Creator, only looks for the best candidates to fill the vacancies that may have been created in His Heavenly Place. When death strikes, we begin to ask ourselves several questions that we cannot even answer. But we therefore come to the realization that all of us face the same inevitable fate.” 

The founder and advisor of Vhembe Media Forum, Wilson Dzebu said:  “We are saddened by the sudden departure of our colleague. His contributions to the development of journalism in Vhembe will remain to be seen. We understand that he was very ill, but we thought he would recover and come back and continue his work. His unmatched photographic skills will continue to guide young photojournalists to pick up the spear where he has left off."

Messages of condolences poured in from different corners of the country, following Mushiana’s death. Communications Minister Faith Muthambi also sent her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mushiana. “Mushiana was a man of substance, who earned the respect of everyone through his consummate photojournalism, not only in Limpopo, but also across South Africa. The journalism industry and South Africa as a whole have lost a truly remarkable man. He was a unique photo journalist who was able to express what a thousand words cannot. Mushiana was reliable and competent, but it was his hard work that made him a supreme photojournalist, who devoted his entire life to the media industry,” she said.

"The media fraternity has indeed lost a jolly man, always alert for a good story," said Limpopo Premier Mr Chupu Mathabatha. “We learnt with sadness of the passing on of one illustrious journalist, Elijar Mushiana. We have become used to Elijar with cameras at all our events. We mourn with his friends, colleagues and family, believing that they will be comforted in that he lived his life to the full.”

The spokesperson of the ANC in Limpopo, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, added that even in his death "his story must inspire other young people of Limpopo who aspire to pursue a career in the media that success is possible with perseverance and dedication."

The mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr David Muthavhatsindi also expressed condolences towards the Mushiana family. "Born at Tshimbupfe in the Makhado area of jurisdiction, I happened to know Mushiana when he was still very young. He rose from a community newspaper to the mainstream print media. He was really a hard worker," said Muthavhatsindi.

* Mushiana’s memorial service took place yesterday (Thursday) at Vuwani Faith Mission Church. The funeral service takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at 06:00. The procession will start at Vuwani and proceed to the family graveyard at Tshimbupfe village.

Date:01 August 2014

By: News Correspondent

Correspondent journalists from all over the region supply us with news and sport articles. 

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