Coronavirus: Newzroom Afrika staffers test positive for Covid-19, prompts more changes at the TV news channel's Linden newsroom including cordoning off sections, one-way corridors and an end to desk swapping.

by Thinus Ferreira

Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) staffers have been diagnosed positive for the Covid-19 virus and have been quarantined at home while the TV news channel is once again reconfiguring its Johannesburg newsroom, including cordoning off sections through which staffers will no longer be able to walk and making corridors one-way walk-throughs.

The Newzroom Afrika Covid-19 cases in Cape Town underscores how vulnerable South Africa's media workers and reporters are as they continue to try and cover the impact of the unfolding humanitarian, health, economic and societal tragedy as the novel coronavirus spreads in the country and across Africa.

The Newzroom Afrika staffers who've tested positive and who are now in self-isolation come days after the tragic and shocking death on Wednesday morning of Lungile Tom (45) - the etv News, eNuus and eNCA (DStv 403) cameraman who worked at eMedia Investments' Cape Town office - where the building was shuttered for a deep-clean and more than 70 staffers sent home for self-isolation and 14-days quarantine.

Lungile Tom is the first-known South African journalist to die from Covid-19, after the SABC News reporter Ulrich Hendriks based in Kimberley who tested positive for Covid-19 and saw the SABC shutter its office in the Northern Cape province, recovered in April.

The Newzroom Afrika reporter Athi Mtongana revealed that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and shared a Bible-verse on her Twitter account on social media, referencing Isaiah 53: "My results have come back positive. I will recover, no Corona virus formed against us shall prosper. Isaiah 53 'by Christ's wounds we are healed".

Newzroom Afrika that just celebrated its first anniversary since the TV news channel that was commissioned by MultiChoice in 2019 from co-founders Thabile Ngwato and Thokozani Nkosi went on-air on 2 May 2019, didn't respond to an emailed media enquiry on Sunday morning but a response will be added when or if received.

About the Covid-19 novel coronavirus pandemic in South Africa Thabile Ngwato said on the TV news channel's first birthday that "on the business side we have been really prepared".

"As things started to escalate we really worked on a business-continuity plan, that would make sure that we continue to operate and continue to provide our viewers with the content that they need. Especially now."

"We work from a solid plan on the business side. From the content side we make sure that we are live, that we are direct all the time."

Katy Katopodis, Newzroom Africa news director in an internal communique to staffers that TVwithThinus has seen, confirmed that Cape Town colleagues have tested positive for Covid-19, that channel management is checking on them, and that Newzroom Afrika is once again making newsroom changes to try and prevent further Covid-19 cases.

Newzroom Afrika is once again reconfiguring its Johannesburg newsroom set-up that will include cordoning off certain sections ending walk-thoughs, ensuring alternative open desk space between seats, designated desks and an end to desk and seat swapping, and corridors becoming one-way walk-throughs.

Here is the email from Katy Katopodis to Newzroom Afrika staffers:

"Hi all,

As you may all know, some CT colleagues have tested positive for Covid-19.

I have spoken to them and they are resting as much as possible and taking good care of themselves. I am confident that they will be fine and they will get through this difficult time.

We are all here for them. We support them and should they need anything, together with Rebecca in HR we will assist. We will also keep checking on them.  Our thoughts and prayers are with our CT team and we wish them a speedy recovery.

At the same time we are also working on yet another reconfiguration of the newsroom. We will change the desks so that everyone is sitting on every alternate desk.

We will also cordon off certain sections in the newsroom that we cannot walk through. We will have designated desks for people so that we don’t keep swapping. We are also changing the flow of the building - making the corridors one way.

Those who can work from home / remotely have been identified. Wearing masks in the office is non-negotiable and we must please keep them on at all times. We must also ensure that we sanitize and wash hands constantly.

We are also working closely with Morishe and Jayosh to look for even more innovative ways to protect the mics and sanitize the equipment. I hope to have more clarity by tomorrow.

Please don’t hesitate to speak to me, Malebo, Bongiwe or Zain or any of your line managers if you have any questions or concerns.

Our health and safety is our TOP PRIORITY and we must all pull together to ensure that we are safe.

Our health is critical at this time.
Be safe everyone.

Thanks"

Coronavirus: Tributes flow after Covid-19 death of etv News and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom: 'A tender, older-brother figure whose physical size made you feel safe and secure no matter where we were reporting from'.

by Thinus Ferreira

Tributes flowed on Wednesday following the shocking Covid-19 death of the etv News and eNCA (DStv 403) cameraman Lungile Tom, with current and former etv News and eNCA staffers and reporters calling him "A tender, older-brother figure, whose physical size made you feel safe and secure, no matter where we were reporting".

eMedia Investments was stunned over news of the cameraman's death on Wednesday morning who became one of the latest victims of the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in South Africa, with South Africa's TV news and media fraternity who mourned his untimely passing.

On Wednesday as eMedia Investments' Cape Town office went into lockdown for a deep-clean, the e.tv channel switched its afternoon, 18:30 and 20:00 etv News TV news bulletins to the eNCA feed which was simulcast on e.tv.

Lungile Tom, fondly known as "Marawa" joined eNCA in December 2013 from CNBC Africa (DStv 410). He leaves behind his wife Nandipha and their children.


Themba Ntshobodi, eNCA cameraman, said in a video message that "I'll always remember Lungile Tom with his laughter, his love for pictures. And he always liked to take selfies when we were on shoots. He would always ask you to take his cellphone and take pictures of him doing his job.He was passionate about camerawork".

The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) in a statement on Wednesday afternoon said that it was "deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lungile Tom" and that SANEF "believes that this tragic death points to the very dangerous work that journalists do, working on the frontline."

Nisa Allie, e.tv's head of news, described Lungile Tom as "the fist-pumping guy" who was extremely loyal, documented everything, and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast.

Parliament’s President Officers spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said in a statement Lungile Tom through his "sharp eye and knowledge of parliament" brought parliament's intricate inner workings into South African homes: "His news footage demonstrated remarkable passion, experience and creativity. He spent time in the corridors of parliament and, with patience, humility and passion, highlighted the happenings of parliament to the people".

Tanya Nefdt, eNCA reporter, said "I'm in complete disbelief  This larger than life man wasn’t just a colleague but a dear friend too. RIP my dearest Lungile Tom. My heart is shattered."

Justin Ford, eNCA sports reporter, said "Lungile Marawa Tom. I am going to miss you, more than you will ever know. Your words of inspiration and encouragement. Your direction and conversation. Your laughter and your hugs. Your chirps and good smell and great sense of dress".

Wesley Fester, video journalist, said "Covid-19 has finally hit home for me. My friend and colleague from eNCA, Lungile Tom was struck down by coronavirus complications in hospital this morning. Rest in peace, Lungile. We will always remember that you were the first of our media soldiers to fall in this invisible war".

Anika de Beer, eNCA meteorologist, said "Lungile was a dear man and everyone in the office liked him. Whenever you walked past him, he would stop the conversation he was busy with just to find out how you're doing and to say hi. He would always make time to come and sit and then ask 'How are things? How are things with your family?' He was really omeone who cared and you could see it in his real interest he took in everyone's lives."

Leigh-Anne Jansen, former eNCA reporter, said "Lungile and I had an extremely tight bond and shared deep moments. My heart is broken, but I am honoured to have known him".

Lester Kiewit, former eNCA reporter, said Lungile was "A tender, older-brother figure, whose physical size made you feel safe and secure, no matter where we were reporting from" and that "Lungile was the heart of the camera team when I was at eNCA. He was larger than life, in presence and in spirit. Our conversations while on assignment primarily focused on family. His adoration of his mother, his love for his children. He told stories of his early life, and how adulthood helped him find focus."

Nadine Theron, eNuus reporter, said "If it wasn't for Lungile I wouldn't have worked here. Lungile recorded my job interview for eNuus in the Cape Town office. He calmed me down. He told me to breathe. He prepped me and he was so sweet and he encouraged me and told me 'you're going to get the job'. And when I did said 'I knew you would get it'."
"It was also the case with my first live broadcast which he also co-incidentally filmed. And again I was anxious, and again it was Lungile who prepped me and calmed me down and he had such a calming presence. He was such a compassionate figure in our office. He made us laugh a lot. When you went out on a story with Lungile you laughed until you cried."


ALSO READ: Coronavirus: e.tv cameraman Lungile Tom fondly known as 'Marawa' who worked for eNews and eNCA dead from Covid-19, staffers who had contact will be tested and told to stay home. 
ALSO READ: etv News boss Nisa Allie pays tribute to cameraman Lungile Tom who died from Covid-19: The loyal 'fist-pumping guy who documented everything and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast'.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: eNCA anchor Sally Burdett on the Covid-19 death of cameraman Lungile Tom as more details are revealed: 'It's just so sudden and so shocking and so desperately sad.' 
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Lockdown of eMedia Investments' e.tv building in Cape Town for a Covid-19 deep-clean after cameraman Lungile Tom's death, over 70 staffers sent into home-quarantine to self-isolate for 14 days. 

Coronavirus: Lockdown of eMedia Investments' e.tv building in Cape Town for a Covid-19 deep-clean after cameraman Lungile Tom's death, over 70 staffers sent into home-quarantine to self-isolate for 14 days.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Cape Town building of eMedia Investments, housing etv News and eNCA, abruptly shuttered on Wednesday following the shocking Covid-19 death of cameraman Lungile Tom with the Zonnebloem suburb building that will be undergoing a deep-clean as the lockdown sent more than 70 staffers to home-quarantine where they will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

It leaves e.tv's news division in one specific quandary for now: Without Cape Town-based reporters and cameramen who can roam outside to report on-location from Cape Town and the immediate surroundings for eNCA (DStv 403), eNuus on the kykNET (DStv 144) and kykNET & Kie (DStv 145) channels, and e.tv's etv News bulletins.

Those who can, will be able to file stories cloistered from inside their homes in Cape Town but they won't be in the streets and on-location for the time being or interacting with the public.

The temporary Cape Town building closure -  the complex housing the offices, newroom and studio space of etv News and eNCA - and with over 70 staffers self-isolating, will place a heavier burden on eMedia's Hyde Park office and studios in Johannesburg that will be shouldering a bigger remote reporting responsibility when it comes to covering news from Cape Town and the Western Cape province.

Nuruniesa Allie, e.tv head of news and sport, told eNCA and etv News on Wednesday night from self-isolation in her home that "tonight the entire building is undergoing a deep-clean and only once the officials are satisfied with that process will we be issued with a certificate to allow people back into the building".

Nisa Allie said that "we've undergone a track-and-tracing process. That is basically identifying every member of staff who had direct contact with Lungile Tom, so they have gone to be tested".

"For the rest of us, because we operate in an open-floor space, the rest of us are in 14 days of self-isolation from the last time that Lungile had been in the office."

"It's an extraordinary time for our company - for many companies around South Africa. And all of our attention and effort is going into our staff and ensuring that they continue to be safe and to abide by government regulations," said Nisa Allie.

The eNCA anchor Sally Burdett said that thoughts also go out "to our e.tv family, particularly in Cape Town where I know everyone is absolutely gutted and devastated" over the death of Lungile Tom.


ALSO READ: Coronavirus: e.tv cameraman Lungile Tom fondly known as 'Marawa' who worked for eNews and eNCA dead from Covid-19, staffers who had contact will be tested and told to stay home. 
ALSO READ: etv News boss Nisa Allie pays tribute to cameraman Lungile Tom who died from Covid-19: The loyal 'fist-pumping guy who documented everything and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast'.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: eNCA anchor Sally Burdett on the Covid-19 death of cameraman Lungile Tom as more details are revealed: 'It's just so sudden and so shocking and so desperately sad.'
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Tributes flow after Covid-19 death of etv News and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom: 'A tender, older-brother figure whose physical size made you feel safe and secure no matter where we were reporting from'.

Coronavirus: eNCA anchor Sally Burdett on the Covid-19 death of cameraman Lungile Tom as more details are revealed: 'It's just so sudden and so shocking and so desperately sad.'

by Thinus Ferreira

After the shocking Covid-19 death of e.tv's etv News and eNCA (DStv 403) cameraman Lungile Tom on Wednesday morning in South Africa, the eNCA anchor Sally Burdett on Wednesday night described it as "just so sudden and so shocking and so desperately sad" as more details were revealed about the dramatic way his health rapidly declined and he passed away.

eMedia Investments was stunned over the news of the cameraman's death on Wednesday morning who became one of the latest victims of the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in South Africa, with South Africa's TV news and media fraternity who mourned his untimely passing.

Lungile Tom (45) who worked for e.tv's eNews and eNCA (DStv 403) TV news channel got sick last week and died within days.

On Thursday morning last week he was still fine and reported for work with his temperature that was taken and that was normal. By Thursday evening he was getting very, very sick. By Sunday he was hospitalised and three days later he was dead.

Nisa Allie, e.tv's head of news, on Wednesday night on e.tv and eNCA (DStv 403) in a simulcast broadcast of the etv News TV news bulletin, spoke about Lungile Tom and said that "on Wednesday and Thursday [last week] he didn't report anything during the course of the day".

"On Thursday night he contacted his line-manager and said that he wasn't feeling well, that he would go to the doctor on Friday and that he would advise as to what the doctor said. Over the weekend his condition deteriorated and by Sunday night he was rushed to hospital by ambulance."

"On his admission, staff tested him for Covid-19. His symptoms seemed to be in line with that, and by Monday he had been admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU)," she said.

"The test results came back in the late hours of last night, confirming that he did, in fact, have Covid-19 and sadly, and devastatingly, earlier this morning we got news that he had passed away."


ALSO READ: Coronavirus: e.tv cameraman Lungile Tom fondly known as 'Marawa' who worked for eNews and eNCA dead from Covid-19, staffers who had contact will be tested and told to stay home. 
ALSO READ: etv News boss Nisa Allie pays tribute to cameraman Lungile Tom who died from Covid-19: The loyal 'fist-pumping guy who documented everything and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast'.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Lockdown of eMedia Investments' e.tv building in Cape Town for a Covid-19 deep-clean after cameraman Lungile Tom's death, over 70 staffers sent into home-quarantine to self-isolate for 14 days.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Tributes flow after Covid-19 death of etv News and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom: 'A tender, older-brother figure whose physical size made you feel safe and secure no matter where we were reporting from'.

Coronavirus: etv News boss Nisa Allie pays tribute to cameraman Lungile Tom who died from Covid-19: The loyal 'fist-pumping guy who documented everything and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast'.

by Thinus Ferreira

Nisa Allie, e.tv's head of news, on Wednesday described the etv News and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom who died Wednesday morning in South Africa  from Covid-19 as "the fist-pumping guy" who was extremely loyal, documented everything, and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast.

eMedia Investments was stunned over news of the cameraman's death on Wednesday morning who became one of the latest victims of the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in South Africa, with South Africa's TV news and media fraternity who mourned his untimely passing.

On Wednesday e.tv switched its afternoon, 18:30 and 20:00 etv News TV news bulletins to the eNCA feed which was simulcast on e.tv after e.tv's Cape Town studio went into lockdown.

"Seven years ago I was the Cape Town news editor for eNCA at the time and we had a vacancy in our camera department and he had applied for the position. I remember sitting across the table from him and seeing this larger-than-life character," Nuruniesa Allie, e.tv head of news and sport, told eNCA and etv News on Wednesday night from self-isolation in her home.

Nisa Allie paid tribute to Lungile Tom from her home after his death this morning after she went into self-isolation similar to the over 70 other eMedia staffers in Cape Town who have are now under quarantine.

"Within a few moments I realised that this was a man who carried his heart on his sleeve. He believed in being kind, he believed in being respectful, and he loved his craft. We instantly knew that this was the right fit for our organisation."

"I have been very privileged to see Lungile Tom bloom in his position," said Nisa Allie.

"In the office, this larger-than-life character he was the first-pumping guy. He was the person who, if he felt that you looked a bit down on the day, he would come and ask you is everything okay. He was extremely loyal to the people he cared about."

"He was constantly on Whatsapp, sometimes just sending you a joke to remind you that he was there. New Year's Eve you'd always get a message from Lungile. I have been so touched to read some of the many tributes that have been posted on social media - people who have contacted us, his colleagues."

"He loved documenting. Besides being a camera person and documenting stories, he documented every single moment of his life. You'd go onto Whatsapp to the status updates and you'd see what Lungile had been up to on the day: He had visited a colleague in hospital and had taken a photograph. The event didn't happen unless he had taken a photo."

"Somebody else had written how, at parliament, where he had become quite a force and a familiar face, he was very pedantic about the reporters going on-air and looking good. He loved being in that space. He spoke to politicians, he spoke to police officers who were based there."

"He liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast - never asked for it - but his friends knew that's what he liked. He embodied that warm person, kind individual every single day".

The eNCA anchor Sally Burdett, said Lungile Tom "was not just someone who was just passionate about television and camerawork but just a wonderful, wonderful man".


ALSO READ: Coronavirus: e.tv cameraman Lungile Tom fondly known as 'Marawa' who worked for eNews and eNCA dead from Covid-19, staffers who had contact will be tested and told to stay home.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: eNCA anchor Sally Burdett on the Covid-19 death of cameraman Lungile Tom as more details are revealed: 'It's just so sudden and so shocking and so desperately sad.'
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Lockdown of eMedia Investments' e.tv building in Cape Town for a Covid-19 deep-clean after cameraman Lungile Tom's death, over 70 staffers sent into home-quarantine to self-isolate for 14 days.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Tributes flow after Covid-19 death of etv News and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom: 'A tender, older-brother figure whose physical size made you feel safe and secure no matter where we were reporting from'.

Coronavirus: e.tv cameraman Lungile Tom fondly known as 'Marawa' who worked for eNews and eNCA dead from Covid-19, staffers who had contact will be tested and told to stay home.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African TV news cameraman Lungile Tom (45) who worked for e.tv's eNews and eNCA (DStv 403) TV news channel died on Wednesday morning from the Covid-19 coronavirus after he was hospitalised on Sunday night.

Sources told TVwithThinus on Wednesday morning that Lungile Tom was hospitalised and that e.tv's Cape Town office has shuttered the floor where he worked for the time being and staffers told to work from home.

Lungile Tom, fondly known as "Marawa" joined eNCA in December 2013 from CNBC Africa (DStv 410). He leaves behind his wife Nandipha and their children.

So far there's been no comment or statement from e.tv who was asked about the developments.

In an internal email to staffers that TVwithThinus has seen, eMedia Investments said that "the company is saddened by the loss of one of our cameraman, Lungile Tom, our colleague and friend, working for eNCA, based in Cape Town".

Below is the communique that has now been sent to e.tv staffers:

Dear All, The Company is saddened by the loss of one of our cameraman, Lungile Tom, our colleague and friend, working for eNCA, based in Cape Town. Lungile was admitted into hospital on Sunday night, May 10, with COVID-19 related symptoms. His test results confirmed last night that he had COVID-19 and he passed away in hospital this morning, Wednesday May 13. Lungile joined eNCA in December 2013 as an ENG Camera Operator bringing his skills from CNBC Africa. Lungile was known for his larger than life personality and his dedication to his craft. His buoyant laughter will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nandipha and his children. In adherence to government regulations, we have disinfected and closed the affected floor at the Cape Town offices. The Company has informed the Department of Labour, and in the meanwhile instituted a tracing and tracking process. All employees who have had contact with Lungile have been advised to stay at home, will be tested and go into self-isolation.



UPDATE: Wednesday 13 May 2020 11:30 - eMedia Investments has issued a statement about the death of Lungile Tom:

"eMedia Investments is saddened by the loss of one of its camera operators who was based at the eNCA Cape Town office.

Our colleague was admitted to hospital on Sunday night, May 10, with COVID-19 related symptoms. He was subsequently tested and admitted to intensive care when his test results confirmed that he had COVID-19.

He passed away in hospital this morning, Wednesday, May 13.

eMedia Chief Operating Officer, Antonio Lee, said the cameraman joined eNCA in December 2013 as a Camera Operator. He was previously with CNBC Africa.

“He was known for his larger than life personality and dedication to his craft. His buoyant laughter will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his wife, as well as his children.” Lee said.

eNCA will adhere to all government regulations and have taken the necessary precautions to disinfect all areas and equipment.

We have also instituted a tracing and tracking process. All employees who had contact with him have been advised to stay at home. They will be tested and will go into self-isolation.

eMedia is making plans to honour our colleague’s memory."


Here is how eNCA reported the death of Lungile Tom on Wednesday afternoon at 12:00:

Coronavirus: @eNCA (@DStv 403) reports about the death of the @etv cameraman Lungile Tom from Covid-19 who was fondly known as 'Darama': pic.twitter.com/ZfxiCovJFX

— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) May 13, 2020

The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) in a statement on Wednesday afternoon about the death of Lungile Tom said:

"The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lungile Tom, a cameraman, who worked at eNCA at the company’s Cape Town office. Lungile was turning 46 this year."

"SANEF believes that this tragic death points to the very dangerous work that journalists do, working on the frontline."

"We call on all media companies to assist journalists with protective gear and for journalists to be extra careful and follow all safety precautions. We also call on media companies, where possible, to assist journalists with trauma counselling."

"SANEF sends its heartfelt condolences to Lungile’s family, friends and colleagues."


ALSO READ: etv News boss Nisa Allie pays tribute to cameraman Lungile Tom who died from Covid-19: The loyal 'fist-pumping guy who documented everything and who liked a muffin and coffee for breakfast'.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: eNCA anchor Sally Burdett on the Covid-19 death of cameraman Lungile Tom as more details are revealed: 'It's just so sudden and so shocking and so desperately sad.' 
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Lockdown of eMedia Investments' e.tv building in Cape Town for a Covid-19 deep-clean after cameraman Lungile Tom's death, over 70 staffers sent into home-quarantine to self-isolate for 14 days.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Tributes flow after Covid-19 death of etv News and eNCA cameraman Lungile Tom: 'A tender, older-brother figure whose physical size made you feel safe and secure no matter where we were reporting from'.