Shock, disbelief, pain, grief, confusion, devastation is what can best describe Ralph Tenthani’s sudden death in a car crash on Saturday evening.
Malawi media is truly mourning, painfully so. We picked some of the key words used by media colleague and others in the past hours, in their tearful tributes to Ralph and their memories of him.
A fine journalist, an excellent writer, a powerful scribe, faithful to his vacation, mission cut short, finest and brilliant writer, media giant, journalism trainer, irreplaceable loss, down to earth. a genius and rare gem, big journalism icon, writer per excellence, a true gentleman and of course the true muckraker.
One Bright Malopa mourns “You leave behind , a society muckraked by your death”.
Meanwhile, the BBC where Ralph contributed for many years, has also expressed its shock over his sudden death.
“We’ve learned with great shock and sadness that our long serving Malawi Correspondent Raphael Tenthani has died. Raphael was a brilliant writer and journalist and reported not just for the BBC, but for the Associated Press. He was also a popular newspaper columnist at home. He will be greatly missed by the team here at BBC” says the BBC statement.
Meanwhile, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi has described Tenthani’s death as an instrumental defender of media freedom and freedom of expression.
“Tenthani will not only be remembered by many as a senior journalist and editor, but one of the most respected and inspirational writers in Malawi. InTenthani’s death, Malawi’s media has lost a pillar of media freedom, a prolific writer, a mentor and a friendly colleague, said Misa Chairperson Thom Khanje.
ON its part, Nyika Media Club has said Tenthani will be missed for his humility and generosity in imparting advice and knowledge to the media practitioners, adding that his charming presentation made him a friend for many.
“Tenthani’s impeccable courage and technique in advancing journalistic work is something members of the Club will also dearly miss” says the club in a statement.
Meanwhile, Tenthani’s remains are at College of Medicine in Blantyre and burial will take place at Agabu Village, Traditional Authority Ganya in Ntcheu on Monday, May 18, 2015.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues