Media Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Tony Heard, acclaimed South African editor who covered key events to showcase the brutally of the apartheid system. Heard’s unwavering dedication and courage helped to document the historic anti-pass Langa march led by PAC leader Philip Kgosana on 30 March 1960 as a junior reporter at the Cape Times.

Heard studied part-time for a Bachelor of Arts followed by an Honours in Philosophy at the University of Cape Town. He became parliamentary reporter in 1958 and joined the Financial Mail as Cape Editor in 1964, went to London in 1966 as senior correspondent in the SA Morning Newspapers Group office, and returned to South Africa in 1967 to take up the position of leader-page editor of the Cape Times.

Heard was appointed Editor of the Cape Times in 1971-87 and was awarded the Golden Pen of Freedom by the World Association of Newspapers and the Pringle Medal by the local journalists’ body after his full-page interview with “silenced” ANC great in exile, Oliver Tambo, in November 1985. This article led to Heard being arrested under Apartheid security laws, with charges months later dropped and the newspaper fined. Heard also served the South African democratic government with distinction with over two decades as a special adviser and speechwriter.

The ANC mourns the loss of Tony Heard and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work. May they find comfort and solace in the knowledge that the entire progressive forces of the mass democratic movement share in their grief.
May Tony Heard’s legacy inspire future generations to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society.