News statement by the ANC Western Cape on the passing of Joseph Aranes

3 September 2015

The ANC in the Western Cape has received the tragic news of the death of comrade Joseph Aranes earlier today with great sadness and shock. Our immediate thoughts are with his family.

Aranes was dedicated professional journalists who worked for many years at the Independent Group and who served as deputy editor of the Cape Argus in his last years at the group.

The ANC in the Western Cape will remember Aranes for many things, however the following will remind us of him: 1. His joy not just for living but for life; 2. His no-nonsense straight to the point attitude; 3. Saying what he stands for, notwithstanding the consequences; 4. Ability and willingness to always assist, support and mentor; and 5. His massive contribution to the development of young lions of the 1980’s.

The ANC will reflect in the coming days on his life and more importantly his contribution to the Fourth Estate, by promoting the principles of democracy, transformation and fairness in the newsrooms of our country.

Long live the spirit of Joseph Aranes.

Statement issued by ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, September 3 2015