THE infectious smile is no more.
You’ve ran you race, now its time to sleep my friend, as I bid thee farewell to one of SA’s noble yet hardworking journalist Jermaine Craig.
He was declared dead upon arrival at MediClinic on Monday, following his weekly gym routine.
Craig had an illustrious career from winning awards as a sport reporter, before taking the role of consultancy work.
He was a seasoned journalist and media and communications professional, having begun his career as a general news reporter at the Cape Argus in 1995.
He would later move to The Star, where he became a sports journalist in 1999 and won the football writer of the year award the following year, in 2000.
During his time on the sports desk, Craig covered the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney and Athens and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He would later become the news editor of The Star, night editor and executive editor.
In 2010 when South Africa prepared to host the historical Soccer World Cup, Craig joined the Local Organising Committee as its communications and media manager, and following the successful staging of the World Cup, he moved to South African Tourism as its global communications manager.
In 2013, he returned to Cape Town and the Independent Media Group when he took up the role of Cape Argus editor.
He then served as the executive for brand marketing at Independent Media after his tenure as editor of the Cape Argus.
In 2018 he established his media company Craig Communications.
At the time of his death Craig was a media officer for the Confederation of African Football (Caf), where he worked at Mamelodi Sundowns matches and was a consultant for a number of companies.
He worked with companies and entities, including Kaizer Chiefs, NBA Africa, 4Racing, the African Football League and Arena Holdings.
I came to befriend Craig whilst at The Star, ready to chat and advise when and where necessary, with the likes of another award winning senior sport reporter Matshelane Mamabolo.
We were not friends but he made time to chat and offer guidance. Since then we hit it off.
Upon joining SAT, he’d make sure press conferences never took place without my presence.
My special moments with him were recent, providing consultancy work for 4Racing and would make sure I had access for interviews with the executive team, et al.
One incident that would forever be etched in my mind, was during interview with 4Racing CEO- Fundi Sithebe, accompanied by that deceiving smile- he literally intercepted it and quipped “because its you, I can do as I want” as he politely pulled Fundi for an impromptu meeting at the recent Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein racecourse. That’s how close we were.
The soft-speaking Craig was (47) at the time of his passing.
The cause of his death was not declared by the family at the time of publishing.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club said they were shocked and distraught on hearing of the sudden and devastating passing of Craig.
As messages of condolences continue streaming in to his family Michelle, Matthew, Christian and Jermaine’s mom, AmaKhosi also remembered him.
“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.”
Family spokesperson and former boss Jovial Rantao, said information regarding the funeral and other arrangements will follow in due course. We ask that you, and the rest of the family in your prayers.
“The family requests privacy and deeply appreciates your messages of support during this difficult time,” said Rantao.
Yes, the journalism and communication industries are poorer without you, mate!
Gentle giant because of his towering body feature, the angles are jostling for you at the celestial view.
Good night, my friend. Robala, robala boroko!
Details of burial will be made soon.
Image (That mightier pen has dried up. The infectious smile is no more. Rest well Jermaine Craig).
