The late former SABC journalist Bobi Serame has been described as the epitome of principled journalism because during his 29 tenure as a journalist, he was never involved or caught up in any unethical conduct.
Serame who passed away last Wednesday started his career as a stringer in 1995 for Radio Setswana during the Bophuthatswana government.
Former SABC News Editor Frans Nong said Serame proved to be talented at an early age.
“I Am the one, I discovered Serame and we were family friends to the Serame family. I discovered his talent when I was always visiting his family. He was afraid of people and I saw that his talent can be nurtured.
“Bobby started with us in Tsele-le-Tsele current affairs. The reason I started this, I wanted us to have cutting-edge current affairs that speak to people. We started using regional stringers and they were working with Bobby. He joined the station in 1995.
“He showed us his abundant talent and went on to work with other reporters well. He wanted to work for his own people. We have produced so many talents and we were happy to see that Bobby wanted to deliver news to his own people in his own language.
“He was a team worker and dedicated to his work. He worked for SABC for 29 years. He was exceptional. It is true that the death of a journalist is a compromise to society,” Nong said.
Serame’s sister Mpho Moeti, described her brother’s death as sudden.
“He was our elder brother and he was a fun person, always creating jokes. He was so humble and generous. His death is untimely. He was always dedicated to his job. He liked to wear different colors and we called him color blocking,” said Moeti.
A friend, Daeyl Gaetsewe believes Serame was not properly recognised by the media industry.
“Bobby’s life is an oxymoron and it is bittersweet and we grew up together at Tlhabologo. He was an anatomy of a human being. He was a jolly person and very iconic. He raised so many people and was dedicated to his job. Bobby was a stringer for 29 years.
“His presence was felt and humbled. He was not pompous and never forgot where he came from. We can compare him to the late iconic Cebo Manyaapelo because he mastered his job. In many instances, we have an earthly treasurer and that’s what Bobby was,” Gaetsewe said.
Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe, described Serame as a giant who dedicated his life to serving people.
“We want to congratulate the Serame family for giving birth to this giant. I also want to pass my regards to the SABC management. Bobby was everything to us. If a man has served his people and served them well, he will receive this kind of send-off.
“You may not occupy the highest position, but if you serve them well, you will receive this farewell. This man did not deserve to die. He was a true compatriot and his death is a heavy blow and his teachings will remain with us,” he said.
