THE late journalist, Welcome Skosana, has been described as one of the best entertainment reporters to ever hit the streets of Mzansi.
So, it’s no surprise that news of his passing on Wednesday night, 19 July sent shockwaves in the music and media industry.
Welcome worked as an entertainment editor for Daily Sun between 2005 and 2011, and as a journalist for City Press between 1999 and 2005.
Singer Machance said he has had a relationship with Welcome since 2006.
“I last spoke to him about three weeks ago when he was going to visit his father-in-law in Kimberley because he was ill. I got to know him in 2006. He called me asking to do a story about me because barcadi music was making waves, and I was one of the people doing it. I went to the Daily Sun office and he did my story.
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“He was a good person and was humble. He was one of the journalists who made barcadi popular. He didn’t just write about me, but wrote about Mujava and Bojo Mujo as well. We kept in contact even after he left Daily Sun. His death comes as a shock to me,” he said.
Welcome's former colleagues also paid tribute to him.
Former Sowetan LIVE entertainment editor, Lesley Mofokeng, worked closely with Welcome when he was still a journalist at City Press.
“I knew him as an entertainment journalist. We covered the same stories when he was at City Press, and I was at Sunday Times. I thought he was very polite and he loved to laugh. I remember that. He was also sharing. At the time, our idea of journalism was to have scoops, so we’d keep things to ourselves and make sure stories waited until Sunday.
“It was a competitive space and he broke a lot of entertainment stories. What I mean by that he was sharing is that he wasn’t selfish. In an environment like that, it’s easy to become selfish and forget humanity, but never Welcome,” he said.
Zimasa Ciliwe said:
Maxwell Ramaru said Welcome's death has broken his heart.
“There was never a dull moment whenever Welcome was in the office. I remember the day he was upset that someone stole his cold drink in the fridge. He came to me and said: 'I'm going to buy Indian peanut, mix it with Coke then deliberately leave it there. Angeke imbolale uzogijima itoilet the whole day, then we will see who the culprit is. I am going to trap him or her'.
"He was a nice guy. He was polite and got along with everyone. He was respected. May his soul rest in peace,” said Maxwell.
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Happy Mnguni said: “Welcome was one of the finest people I ever met. He had humility and was always willing to help his colleagues whenever they needed help. May his soul rest in peace.
Nthabiseng Sello said: “Shocking news to hear of the passing of Welcome ‘Skosi’ Skosana. Skosana was humble and very talkative. He always had something to say. I will remember him for this humility and humour.”
Daily Sun editor-in-chief, Amos Mananyetso, said: “I met Welcome Skosana when he joined the City Press entertainment desk in the early 2000s, it could have been 2000 or 2001.
"He stood out in more ways than one; he had unique looks from his height to complexion and moustache. He also has a lisp and everyone enjoyed listening to him speak. It was not only for the lisp, but for his witty sense of humour.
"He was also different in that he had a way of speaking to artists and make them open their hearts when he interviewed them. He knew his music and wouldn’t let any musician mess with him. He always gave a deeper technical explanation of songs and albums in his reviews and that made him stand out from his peers."
Daily Sun deputy editor, Doreen Molefe, said: Welcome was known for his sense of humour in the newsroom. When I started my career as an entertainment reporter, he became one of my mentors and taught me a lot about the music industry. He did not mind to share his industry contacts to help young journalists grow."
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Reggie Moalusi, who also spoke on behalf of the South African National Editors' Forum, said: “He enjoyed his skop. No weekend went by without him 'demanding' that our senior colleague, Zakhele Shiba, bring a few heads of sheep from his home in Diepkloof.
“Condolences to his family and friends. We will always remember him for his great character. He always had a ready smile. As his former colleagues, we will always remember how he had a wide range of contacts in the entertainment industry. He will be sorely missed.”
Styles Ledwaba said he knew him as a wonderful man with a great heart and passion for music and journalism.
He said:
Zakhele Shiba also paid tribute to his best friend, Welcome.
"My good friend, Welcome Skosana, or Skosi, today is a sad day to lose someone like you. I met you in 2001 and you became part of my entire Shiba family for the past 22 years. You became a son to my late mother and a younger brother to my sisters and my other brother.
"You were an uncle to our children, who you saw grow right in front of your eyes, and they too are deeply saddened by your passing. I will miss the days we went to Media Park on Saturday mornings with about eight or 10 half skop, pap and atchaar for everyone to enjoy the delicacy during deadline time.
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"I know you had big dreams even when you moved back to Middelburg in Mpumalanga - dreams that we spoke about together almost every week. I will forever miss you my friend and miss calling you Sguqa, and your humble and respecting way. Remember you never even objected when I nicknamed you Sguqa.
"I travelled with you all over the country - covering news and showbiz stories - in Cape Town, PE and Durban. You remained the same and liked your ice cold beer. 'Ebanda mpo', as you would say. I wish strength to your wife and young children. May your soul rest in peace, my brother," said Zakhele.
