Former South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) director general and sports commentator Steve de Villiers died in Johannesburg on Monday after a lengthy illness, his family said. He was 84.
De Villiers’s career in broadcasting spanned more than 40 years.
He became well known as a radio presenter and sports commentator, highlighted by his commentary of the historical boxing fight when Vic Toweel became South Africa’s first world champion in 1950.
He later received the State President’s Award for his contribution to South African sport.
He headed up various radio stations and served in several senior positions before becoming director general in 1981.
After his retirement in 1983, he returned to the microphone as sports commentator and presenter, authored seven books and served as chairperson of Goudstad Onderwyskollege, the Transvaal Educational Council and the Pretoria College of Education.
He is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. — Sapa