TRIBUTES are pouring in for the renowned journalist, media practitioner, and former 2010 Fifa World Cup local organising committee head of communications Jermaine Craig after his death on Monday, 4 December.
South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has sent his condolences to the Craig family following the sudden death.
Jordaan said he learnt of Jermaine’s death with great shock and sadness.
"This is a sad day for me and most of South Africans, especially those in the journalism and the communications fraternity where Jermaine worked for different entities.
“He was my head of media and communications during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, where I was the CEO, and his expertise was treasured globally. He was a calm and diligent individual who was thorough in whatever he did. I am shocked, saddened and at a loss for words,” he said.
The judging panel of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards also spoke about the passing of one of their members, Craig.
They said he joined the panel in 2019 and was present at the announcement of the national winners in Joburg last Thursday, 30 November.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, convener Mapi Mhlangu said judging the Vodacom journalism awards is an intense and demanding task, but Craig approached this role with unwavering dedication and insight.
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“It was a genuine privilege to have shared this experience with him. We'd like to express our deepest gratitude to his wife and children for their generous support, understanding and willingness to lend him to us during this time.
“It's evident that they truly comprehended his passion for storytelling and the significance of honoring journalists for their invaluable work,” she said.
Mapi said that his presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy as an exceptional journalist will endure.
The Kaizer Chiefs family also expressed shock and said they were upset on hearing of the death of Craig.
In a statement, Chiefs said: “No words can describe the despair we feel at losing a valued colleague and dear friend. Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they try to process this heart-wrenching misfortune. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Build One SA (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane said: “I’m heartbroken. Craig was such a great gentleman. It is indeed sad. My condolences to his family.”
Soccer legend Steven Pienaar said: “Rest in Peace my friend. Jermaine Craig. I’m going to miss all those chats. May God be with your beautiful family, condolences from Pienaar family.”
According to the family, Craig collapsed while at the gym and was rushed to Sandton Medi Clinic, where efforts to revive him failed.
He is survived by his wife Michelle and children Matthew and Christian.
The family also requested privacy regarding the funeral.
Other arrangements will be communicated in due course.
