Towering figure in media is gone
With Yaba Odongo Odoyo (photo byline)
The news hit me like a thunderbolt l had to call friends and colleagues to confirm that a celebrated world media journalist, Shaka Ssali died weeks before his birthday and days after his previous employer, the Voice of America (VOA) closed down.
The legendary African journalist Ssali, who was the former host of Straight Talk Africa, passed away at 71, bring to mind the passing on of some of the best journalists’ brains in the continent and the world over. I met Shaka in Washington DC during one of my visits to the US.
Known for his fearless journalism, Ssali spent over two decades delivering quality, dependable news, and his death coincided with the controversial closure of VOA, which raised concerns about the future of international independent journalism in the US and beyond.
African journalism fraternity mourned the veteran Ugandan journalist and broadcaster, who was best and longest serving host of VoA’s Straight Talk Africa show. Ssali, who was a towering figure in African journalism, used his platform to dissect pressing issues such as governance, corruption, human rights, and democracy, with incisive interviews and fearless discussions, challenging leaders while empowering citizens with information. He was known for his with, humour, and intellectual curiosity, and built a reputation as a journalist who could engage with anyone, from heads of state to ordinary citizens.
“We all shall forever miss your wise words and your consistency. May his legacy live on forever!” The late He was born in Kabale, Uganda and pursued academic excellence, earning a doctorate in cross-cultural communication from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His journalism career began in the 1970s in Uganda, where he worked as a reporter and editor before joining VOA in 1994 for an hour-long talk show that became a respected platform for analyzing African affairs. Ssali remained at the helm of the show until his retirement in May 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in global journalism. In 2016, he was selected as one of three moderators for the Ugandan presidential debate. Throughout his career, he received multiple accolades for his contributions to journalism, mentoring many young journalists and advocating for press freedom. He was a mentor, trailblazer & fearless voice. Truly we shall miss and never to forget keeping the hope alive.”
Controversial closure of VOA and subsequent ceasing of operations following an executive order from the President Donald Trump administration, which dismantled its parent organization, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). As the world say “fare thee well colleague”, it is my humble desire to remind the fraternity that in journalism one does not have a gun like other soldiers. Our guns are pens and note books or microphones and recorders. These tools are more lethal than loaded guns.
It is why we are always vulnerable in the hands of some powers that be. We should always learn to stand for one another irrespective of the area of operation and where one come from to help in shaping the present and future well-being of humanity. It is worth noting that there were others before us who made a mark in journalism but their legacies have gone dwindling only remembered by few in the profession.
Some of the few remembered icons in the continent includes the late Alfred Taban who initially was a reporter with BBC before becoming the founder of the then leading Newspaper in the country, the Juba Monitor. Others in Taban’s categories were the late Komla Dumor from Ghana who was with BBC TV and died at the age of 41, Percy Qoboza of South Africa and not forgetting renown world photo journalist Mohamed Amin. We can have many but it is important for journalists to remember that they are always lone rangers and should ensure their own unity. Currently, we have few of us among them James Magok , SSBC, Irene Ayah AMDISS, Koang Paloach Eye Radio and Nichola Mandil who should among other leading media personalities, help, collectively in mentoring the upcoming journalists. The veterans should play leading mentorship roles and support the media regulators streamline the industry.
Colleagues who have equally contributed to the growth and who are considered forces in the continental media industry should be remembered with their “ stand-out” contribution in spearheading the course of Africa in the world without fear or favour. In many instances, I have been privileged to be in some of the US cities, Europe and Far East interacting with some of the Senior Journalists and media players then, and believe you me, African journalists need to help and work together to create their own network. It is really sad that we make them so prominent but we die poor without recognition. It is sad that when your pen is at work, all the mighty run up for just a space or a slot but when the unfortunate time comes they will not be there for you. This scenario is so common that l saw it from the beginning of my career almost 42 years ago and it is still on. Journalists must wake up now to chat their own cause effectively and collectively. This is my take.
Yaba (Jaduong) Odongo Odoyo is a leading commentator, writer and established Editor with long standing career in journalism and media industry internationally. The comments and insight shared are his own. You can contact him at +211921351878, +254795226883or e-mail: odoyo2002@gmail.com