Johannesburg – Veteran sports writer Jermaine Craig collapsed at a gym and was pronounced dead at a clinic in Sandton.
In a terse statement on Monday, the family of Jermaine Craig said it was “saddened to inform you of his passing”.
The family said Jermaine collapsed while at a gym on Monday morning, and was rushed to the Sandton Medi Clinic, where efforts to revive him failed.
“We ask that you keep Michelle, Matthew, Christian, Jermaine’s mom, and the rest of the family in your prayers,” the family said.
“The family requests privacy and deeply appreciates your messages of support during this difficult time.”
Information regarding funeral and other arrangements will follow in due course, the family said.
Meanwhile, the judging panel of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards said it was mourning the passing of, “one of our members, Jermaine Craig, at the age of 47”.
Jermaine joined the panel in 2019 and was present at the announcement of the national winners in Johannesburg last Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, convener Mapi Mhlangu said: “Judging the Vodacom journalism awards is a truly intense and demanding task.
“Over the course of four weeks, judges tirelessly juggle their daily responsibilities while carefully sifting through a daunting 1 300 entries.
“Jermaine approached this role with unwavering dedication and insight, and it was a genuine privilege to have shared this experience with him.
“We would 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 is evident that they truly comprehended his passion for storytelling and the significance of honoring journalists for their invaluable work.
“Jermaine’s presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy as an exceptional journalist will endure.”
Some of the other judges described Jermaine as “compassionate and insightful” and said they were devastated by the news of his passing.
Jermaine was a seasoned sports journalist but had also spent time working at SA Tourism, as editor of the Cape Argus, and on the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa.
