Another eNCA (DStv 403) staffer has died from Covid-19, with the eMedia TV news channel that said that graphic designer Michael Wilson had passed away from the coronavirus.
Michael Wilson's death on Monday comes almost two-months after the eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom died in mid-May.
Michael Wilson was diagnosed with Covid-19 on Thursday and he died 4 days later in hospital. He was admitted to hospital on Tuesday 30 June 2020 with Covid-19 related symptoms from possible exposure.
Since then eNCA anchors and reporters like Shahan Ramkissoon and Heidi Giokis have tested positive for Covid-19 and eMedia has had to shutters studio space in Zonnebloem in Cape Town and Hyde Park in Johannesburg for deep-cleaning with workers who had to stay home and self-isolate and its eNuus edition done for kykNET (DStv 144) that had to broadcast a pre-recorded episode in late-June.
Similar to eNCA, rivals SABC News (DStv 404) and Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) have battled to balance covering the news as colleagues at both TV news channels across South Africa fell ill with Covid-19.
Michael Wilson who was part of eNCA's graphics team who joined e.tv 14 years ago in August 2006. Over the years Michael Wilson had worked on Morning News, e.tv's Sunrise morning show, and various eNCA's shows.
eNCA anchor Sally Burdett told viewers that "Mike, we will remember you for your dry sense of humour, and your commitment to your craft. Condolences go out to his family and friends."
In a statement on Tuesday eMedia Investments said that it "saddened by the loss of one of our graphic designers, Michael Wilson, our colleague and friend, working for eNCA, based in Johannesburg.
Jody Jacobs, eNCA's operations manager, says "Michael, known to many as Mike, joined eNCA in August 2006 and has dedicated his craft to our business with passion and diligence in the last 14 years".
"Michael will be remembered for his dry sense of humour and personable nature. His presence in the newsroom will be missed. Our thoughts are with his Fiancée, Reinette, family, and friends during this difficult time".
eMedia says that it will follow government regulations and safeguard staff by taking the necessary precautions, including disinfecting common use areas and equipment in the Johannesburg office.
"We have also instituted a tracing and tracking process. All employees who had contact with Michael have been advised to stay at home pending testing. They will be tested and subsequently go into self-isolation."
