Veteran journalist and former Ilanga MD Arthur Konigkramer dies

Veteran journalist Arthur Konigkramer, former managing director of Ilanga Newspapers, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by Ilanga's editorial director, Philani Mgwaba, who described Konigkramer as "Mr Ilanga" and emphasized his immense contribution to the newspaper. Mgwaba noted that Konigkramer had been with Ilanga for decades, playing a crucial role during its prosperous period.

Born in Durban, Konigkramer began his journalism career at the SABC, Natal Mercury, and Daily News before joining Ilanga in the 1970s. He took over as editorial director following the newspaper's acquisition by Inkatha in 1986. Konigkramer, fluent in isiZulu, possessed a deep understanding of the newspaper's readership and the communities it served, which greatly aided his success.

Mgwaba highlighted Konigkramer's ability to grasp the target market of Ilanga, crediting this knowledge with his effectiveness. Despite retiring last year, Mgwaba emphasized that Konigkramer remained closely connected with Ilanga, expressing sadness over his loss. Nonhlanhla OkaMashobane KaVela, a colleague at Ilanga during Konigkramer's tenure, recalled that while their time together was not without challenges, including her job loss in 2012, their relationship was later mended.

KaVela remembered Konigkramer with respect, noting that he guided the newspaper through the intricate landscape of print media and played a pivotal role in preserving one of South Africa's oldest isiZulu publications.