Veteran journalist Joseph Joe Latakgomo, the founding editor of The Sowetan, received a special official provincial funeral service in Pretoria. He is remembered for his courageous reporting on the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Family and colleagues paid tribute to his legacy in journalism and education.
Joseph Joe Latakgomo, affectionately known as the “journalists’ journalist,” was laid to rest at the Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria following a special official provincial funeral service. He passed away at Kalafong Hospital on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Latakgomo gained recognition for his reporting during the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976, where he exposed the brutality against unarmed students. This event is now commemorated annually as Youth Day in South Africa.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi honored Latakgomo as “the eyes of society.” Lesufi stated, “If it were not for him and his colleagues, we would not have known the impact and effect of the Soweto Uprising. In the absence of social media, we deem them the bloggers and influencers of that time. Having captured the essence of our past under very difficult times, where they had to write or take pictures whilst bearing in mind that they may be hit by a bullet.”
His granddaughter, Ashley Matlala, spoke of his commitment to education and family. She said, “He is one person who believes in education very much. He was very, very chilled but strict, and he was loved by his children, Thabo and Refiloe, as well as my late uncle Latakgomo. He was a very loving man and made sure that we felt and understood the warmth of a home.”
Colleague Len Kalane recalled the early days of The Sowetan. Kalane noted, “When we started the Sowetan, Latakgomo was our editor, and those were really dark times. The first challenge was to take a title called the “Sowetan”, which suggested that it was a paper for the people of Soweto. Bra Joe and I worked hard to make it national, and today it is where it is because of our bravery and sacrifices.”
The service highlighted Latakgomo's contributions to journalism during challenging periods in South Africa's history.
