The Minister of Communications, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane has expressed her shock and sadness on the passing of experienced radio presenter and media personality, Ms Rowena Baird, who passed away this morning, Friday 5 October 2018.

Ms Baird has enjoyed a career in broadcasting that has spanned over two decades starting at Radio Bop, which was a nurturing hub for many prominent radio personalities and journalistic talent.

“Through Rowena’s dedication which she shared with the nation, her on-air talent, often assisted us as a country to confront a variety of difficult yet necessary conversations for nation-building and social-cohesion.”

“I personally had the honor to commemorate the life of Mama Albertina Sisulu in conversation with her earlier this year in February. Rowena had a deep passion for women emancipation and a concern for how the life-stories of women such as Mama Sisulu were not being used effectively to empower the girl child” said Minister Mokonyane.

“To Rowena, we are most indebted for her service to the nation through the public broadcaster and for the work she has done to raise her voice for the many women who suffer and die in silence from abuse, sickness and poverty.”

On behalf of our government and indeed on my own behalf we extend heartfelt condolences to her family, her SAFM/SABC colleagues and the media fraternity in its entirety” said Minister Mokonyane.

“Goodnight my sister, see you in the morning” concluded Minister Mokonyane.

Source: Government of South Africa