J.H. (Hennie) Van Deventer

Jakob Hendrik (Hennie) van Deventer (65) is an editor who became a chief executive of newspapers but who remained a journalist at heart. He is the author and editor of 10 books.

He retired in 1998 as CEO of the newspaper disvision of Naspers. Previously he was editor of the Free State daily, Die Volksblad, for 12 years.

Accolades in his career include the Phil Weber medal – highest honour bestowed by Naspers. Other awards are i.a. Laureatus and Dux colours from the University of Pretoria, Fellowship of the Print Media Association of SA, and medals of honour from the Free State University , Hoër Volkskool, Potchefstroom, the Bloemfontein City Council and the Bloemfontein Publicity Association.

He was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mas. in 1977. He is the author of Scoops en Skandes (1993), Flaters en Kraters (1996 ), Oos, Wes- Reismoles (1998), Kroniek van 'n Koerantman (1998),

'n Vriend vir Altyd (2000), Halfad Hemel Toe (2000), Polisie, Polisie, Ons Reënboog Is Geroof (2003), In Kamera (2003) and Buurman van die Wildtuin (2004). He is the editor of Sabiepark – our photo album (2006).

He served on the boards of Nasionale Media, Rapport , Worcester Standard Electric Press, the SA Press Association (SAPA), the Print Media Assoc. of SA. (PMA), the Free State University and the Free State Technikon.

He was chairman of i.a. the Newspaper Union of SA (NPU) and the SA Society of Nieman Fellows. He was an executive member of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

He was a long standing member of the Academy for Art and Science.

He has acted as speaker on national and international platforms, mainly on newspapers issues and journalism.

He was born on 3 January 1941 in Dundee. He and his wife Tokkie have retired in Melkbosstrand. In the winter they escape to the bush. The have a married son, Johan (35) and a married daughter, Marisa (32). They are the grandparents of twin boys, Jacob and Thomas (2).