Andries Jakob Botha, 72, of Roosevelt Park, passed away in his sleep during the early hours of Monday, July 22, 2013. Born September 28, 1940 in Steynsburg, Eastern Cape, to Ronnie and Ana Botha, Andries married Elna Delport on December 17, 1970 and she survives.
Also surviving are his daughters Lani Botha, Anita Stohr and Elmi Botha of Johannesburg; son-in-law Robert Stohr; six grandchildren Kyle, Anja, Ruben, Jani, Zandre and Leia; one sister Nellie van Straaten; two brothers Hennie and Sito Botha; as well as several nephews and cousins. Andries’ elder brother, Vic Botha, preceded him in death.
After completing his schooling in Vereeniging at the age of 18, Andries graduated from Potchefstroom University. His journalism career started in 1963 and he occupied the positions of Assistant Editor, News Editor and Political Correspondent for leading daily newspapers prior to embarking on a career path in developmental communications and marketing. Andries spent the last decade of his life lovingly attending to his primary vocation as a writer.
In 1978, Andries won an Award for Enterprising Journalism in national newspapers for a project which led to the release of Dr Nthato Motlana and Aggrey Klaaste, later to become editor of The Sowetan, from prison where they were held without trial in the aftermath of the 1976 Soweto uprising. He has authored a venison recipe book, which is currently being printed. He was editor of an online conservation hunters’ newsletter, Pot-Shot, as well as an industry newsletter for retired journalists.
Andries loved to read and was an avid golfer to his last days. He cherished time spent with his family and was a dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered for his incurable sense of humor and a spirit that transcended adversity.
A memorial service will be held at the Dutch Reformed Church Vergesig, 43 Putney Way in Brixton, Johnnesburg on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 12:00 AM. Reverend Hennie van Rooyen will be officiating.
Contact details:
Vergesig DRC Office: Mrs Hannelie du Toit, Tel 011 837 9770 (Mon to Fri 09:00 - 12:00)
Rev Hennie van Rooyen, Tel 011 837 4514 / Cell 082 468 1989 / havr@vodamail.co.za
Pastor Hans Visser, Tel 011 837 3887 / Cell 082 852 2193
