Tributes have been pouring in for Rosebank resident, retired journalist and community worker, Jonathan Hobday, who died last Wednesday, December 11.
Mr Hobday’s daughter, Kerry Hobday, said her father passed away at the age of 85 after a battle with cancer.
“He was battling with the illness for most part of the year, so it was difficult for him as he is an active person, though as a family, ‘primarily’ we are relieved that his suffering is over though at the same the loss of a parent, brother and grandfather is difficult to come to terms with.”
Mr Hobday came from a family of 10 siblings.
He had three daughters, Natalie, 59, Kerry, 55, and Candice, 49, and two sons, Justin, 61, and Giles, 34. He also had two grandchildren.
Mr Hobday started his career as a journalist in England. When he returned to South Africa, he worked for the Pretoria News, Cape Argus and was editor of the Weekend Argus when he retired in 1997.
He was also an enthusiastic golfer, a member of the Rondebosch Golf Club and part of a proud golfing family as his late brother Simon Hobday and son Justin Hobday were professional golfers for South Africa.
President of Rondebosch Golf Club, Mike Heath, shared his condolences to the family. “The word ‘Legend’ is probably overused in the sporting arena these days. However, when it comes to Jonathan’s contribution to golf all around the country, his journalistic career and his 25-year chairmanship of the Rosebank Mowbray Civic Association (RMCA), it is safe to say he was a legend in his own time.”
Mr Hobday had spent the better part of the last 30 years serving the community. He was a member of the Mowbray Community Policing Forum (CPF) for 30 years and held the chairperson position until last month when he stepped down (“New leadership for Mowbray CPF,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, November 28).
Mr Hobday was also the chairperson of the RMCA, serving in that position for 25 years until stepping down in 2019 (“End of an era,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, October 31, 2019).
The current Mowbray CPF chairperson, Ebrahim Mohamed said Mr Hobday was a beacon to all of them at the Mowbray CPF. “His stature and conduct always stood at the forefront of his mission and purpose. His leadership was exemplified through his action and his undertakings in ensuring that Mowbray CPF stayed true to its values through delivery.”
Long-time friend and Mowbray CPF representative Dave Sivertsen had worked with Mr Hobday for 30 years. “He taught me a lot over the years, and everything ran smoothly. He gave every member an opportunity to share their input fairly.”
Mr Sivertsen said under Mr Hobday’s leadership, the CPF worked hard to improve the relationship between the public and the police.
Mowbray police station commander Lieutenant Colonel David Malong said the Mowbray community had lost a stalwart and the police appreciated all the work Mr Hobday did.
“To be the chairperson for such a long time takes courage and perseverance because the roads are not always smooth running but with his mindset and support around him challenges came and went.”
Former Ward 57 and current PR councillor, Patrick Chapple, said Mr Hobday was first and foremost a newspaper man, with a deep love of a principled press. “However, he also believed in the voice of the community with his long service in various civic bodies, especially the CPF,” said Mr Chapple.
“Jonathan’s politeness, coupled with his ability to listen made meetings with him a pleasure.”
Ms Hobday said they will be planning a memorial service for her father at the Rondebosch Golf Club in the middle of February and will share more information about it closer to the time.
