Bra Joe Latakgomo was a gentle giant of Black journalism. Orally, he was not a man of many words. Almost a reserved personality, he treated people with respect. Even his objects of scorn, such as apartheid and its white establishments, he condemned with a sense of correcting, rather than ridiculing.
Joseph “Joe” Seshego Latakgomo breathed his last breath at Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville near Pretoria on Sunday 22 February 2026. He was 78 years old.
Across the newsrooms, he represented integrity. He interacted with editorial staff, young and old, with a dignified serenity that was genuine. His elderly affection for all was so mesmerizing, it was inconceivable to fall out of line in Bra Joe’s unmistakable presence.
At 61 Commando Road, Industria, the unofficial HQ of Black journalism at The Sowetan, his portrait hung on the long passage that connected reception with the newsroom. In front of it were his predecessors, Ntate Moerane, who edited The Sowetan’s fore-runner, The World, as well as that of Percy Qoboza, whom he succeeded. And, after Bra Joe’s photograph followed that of his successor as Editor of The Sowetan, Aggrey Klaaste. Together they represented a taste of that special generation of Black journalism.
At the turn of the 90’s when transformation in the media became inevitable, Bra Joe was transferred to The Star, then The Sowetan’s sister publication under The Argus stable. We were overjoyed by his arrival at 47 Sauer Street. Here was a consummate professional, a doyen of Black journalism, being roped in to join a virtually exclusive club of white bosses. His appointment was a glaring reminder of the changing times: Political parties just unbanned, Mandela released, Immorality Act repealed, Group Areas Act no more. Watching Bra Joe walk into a conference room with the rest of them lilly-white bosses, we knew his darkness was more than skin colour. It meant much more. It reminded all that the time for change had come.
His opinions about what must go in the front page of The Star mattered on behalf of all darker skins. As an editorial executive, he was also writing the paper’s editorial comments, thereby providing to the changing society Black perspectives on various issues, including a democratic future. In that sense, Bra Joe provided a bridge between journalism during apartheid and the transition into the new society we have today.
Not only was he a pathfinder who fought apartheid with his mighty pen, encouraging others to follow in his footsteps, but he was a colossal figure in the media industry despite his unassuming approach to people and issues. In his twilight years, he worked as a Ombud at the Sunday Times, among others. His footprints are in several media houses.
In his honour, perhaps we should continue to express our differences with respect, humility, gentle yet firmly, just as he did for decades. Sometimes noise is not everything, as Bra Joe taught us. You can still make a point, and your mark, without abandoning the affable character of who you are.
Bra Joe was a gentleman to the end. His passing marks the end of an era. Fare thee well, our Grootman. Our light. Our inspiration. You ran a good race. And we note that here your race ends.
We salute you, and shall dedicate raft of copy to your role in advancing the interest of your community and society at large through a force that was Black journalism.
Rest well. Rest in power, big big brother, the mentor, the pioneer.
Bra Joe’s funeral service will be held on Saturday 28 February, 2026 at the Atteridgeville Community Hall. He will be buried at the Olivenhoutbosch Cemetry.
