Careers & Tenders
Subscribe
National
/ 25 January 2025

M&G mourns the passing of political editor Paddy Harper

By
Paddy1
M&G political editor Paddy Harper. (Pictures: Delwyn Verasamy)

Mail & Guardian political editor Paddy Harper died in his Durban home on Saturday morning.

Staff at the M&G are devastated by the news, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Paddy was highly regarded in both the journalism industry and political circles. He began his career in Natal and over many years earned a reputation as a reporter with an impeccable word, unimpeachable ethics and a fearless drive to speak truth to power.

His contribution to our pages has been invaluable. His reporting has been immense, regularly producing front-page stories that have driven the national agenda.

Paddy

His weekly column – affectionately known to anyone who reads it simply as “Paddy’s column” – is a favourite among many news readers for its sardonic yet insightful take on political shenanigans.

We hope to honour Paddy in the coming days as we come to terms with this devastating news.

The media has lost a giant and, for many of us, a dear friend.

Tags: ,

31 Replies to “M&G mourns the passing of political editor Paddy Harper”

  1. What a pleasure it was to edit Paddy’s column and to work with him at M&G. He – and his words – will be sorely missed.

  2. “He served in the Department of Information and Publicity of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal”

    I though a good journalist had to be a public watchdog not supporting any party but barking to warn the public about corruption among politicians and poor governance?

  3. I am saddened by your passing,you have been always a great support to our community through and through,words fail me to describe undying kindness, compassion and gratitude for everything that was happening you never missed a single moment,what a brave man you were it’s really important to check on one another from time to time, after all you are a human being not just a journalist you’re ,a father,brother and husband to the Harper family.

    Go well and rest you have run your race,your name is unforgettable more especially to us as Mbonambi Monarch.🙏🏽🙏🏽

  4. One of the reasons I read the M&G every week is Paddy’s truthful sarcasm and his unique analysis. I will miss his humorous summaries of the week in politics. I will miss him regularly talking about smoking dagga. I will him speaking truth to power in a way that was his own – by taking the piss out of politicians and making us all laugh. Thank you for your great contribution to African journalism, Paddy. Go well, Baba.

  6. What a legacy. Rest in peace, Paddy. You will be sorely missed. Condolences to his grieving family, friends and colleagues.

  7. A dedicated journo that was passionate about writing the truth with wits and humour. Hamba Kahle Bra. ✊🏽

  8. A sad day indeed, a soldier has fallen, Paddy’s pen was mightier than the sword. What a journey he had as a journalist and an activist. I remember fondly the days when Ricky Naidoo and Paddy started up the New African, I was interviewed by both of them when I was released from Robben Island. A rare breed indeed. We shall miss his deep political insights and witty lines that became a hallmark of his word. Rest well my comrade and friend, we will miss you dearly. Rest in everlasting peace. Your day is down rest well.

  9. What a giant of a man. I spoke to him this week and as usual I will laugh at something witty that he will say

  10. Condolences to the nearest and dearest

  11. Paddy you will be deeply missed. A true legend and brilliant journalist

  12. What a sad day for journalism. I had the privilege of working with Paddy many years ago at the City Press. I was in awe of him and learned so much from him. He was not only a gifted journalist but also a great human being – a true gentleman, and kind soul, and someone with a wonderful sense of humour. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

    • Paddy you will be missed, a true legend

  13. The and only! What a legend!

  14. very sad indeed….his signature column will be missed dearly…

  15. what a loss…very sad indeed….his signature columns will be missed dearly…

  16. A terrible shock having just read his latest excellent piece today! RIP Paddy what a void you will leave,

  17. Seeing these sad news on FB, a few minutes after reading his latest column. What a witty writer! Will be sadly missed on the pages of the M&G.

  18. Great scribe, pass by. Hamba kahle mfanakithi.

  19. My deepest condolences to Paddy’s nearest and dearest and colleagues at the Mail and Guardian. Our journalism universe has lost one its shining stars. Your humour and calling out the bullshit of politicians will always be remembered.

  20. My sincere condolences. We lost a great writer and fighter for democracy.

  21. Deepest condolence. Loved his writing, Paddy Harper will be missed

  22. Rest well Paddy. You were always willing to hear the other side and did so with sincerity and honesty. Amen

  23. Will miss his column with it’s humour.

  24. So so heartbroken. What a loss. MHSRIP

  25. Saddening news. Paddy was solid in his reporting and always on point when it came to current affairs and political reporting. His witty writing will be missed 💔

  26. What a brilliant journalist and brother who was always respectful. Rest well!

  27. A dear comrade in every respect. A dedicayed freedom fighter and brilliant journalist.
    So long Paddy.

  28. What a man,what a loss😭

  29. Paddy was part of a team who added to the struggle for a democratic South Africa. He served in the Department of Information and Publicity of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal. He has been consistent and true to his craft without fear or favour. To me, Paddy has been a brother, friend and comrade. Take a bow Paddy. I will always cherish our friendship and commitment to social justice. I will miss your professionalism in your craft.