Rossouw was 'queen-pin of newsroom'

Journalist Mandy Rossouw was a talented writer who gave her all to her work, City Press editor Ferial Haffajee said yesterday.

"She was a queen-pin and scoop-getter of our newsroom, and a talented all-rounder.

"Beyond that, she was a dear friend for whom no effort was ever too much," Haffajee said.

Rossouw, 33, died on Monday night at her Bryanston, northern Johannesburg, home.

She was Media24's international correspondent and City Press's political reporter. She had also worked for Eyewitness News, Beeld and the Mail & Guardian as a political reporter.

"Her body was found [on Monday] after she uncharacteristically did not answer her phone.

"We are devastated at the sudden shocking loss of a beloved, kind and talented colleague," said Haffajee.

Rossouw had been treated on Saturday night for gastric complications but was discharged from hospital. She told family, friends and colleagues that she was feeling better by Sunday.

A friend found her body in her flat after she failed to arrive for a dinner date. The cause of her death is not known.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the ANC was saddened by Rossouw's death. He described her as a diligent and multi-talented political reporter.

"She made her mark in the stories she wrote and the commitment she demonstrated for the industry. Her writing skills, her willingness to listen and her probing research will be missed."

The DA sent its condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

"During my time in politics, I came to know Mandy well," DA spokesman Mmusi Maimane said. "She was the first journalist to interview me."

He said Rossouw was a tough but fair interviewer.

Last year, Rossouw released the book Kings and Kingmakers.

Her body will be flown to Cape Town.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.