SA journalist Rodney Hartman dies aged 61

Rodney Hartman, the South African journalist and author, died on Tuesday at the age of 61, after a long battle with cancer. Hartman worked as a journalist in South Africa and London for more than 30 years and authored books on Ali Bacher, Hansie Cronje and Brian Mitchell, the former world boxing champion.

Hartman was an award-winning writer, a former sports editor of the Sunday Times and the founding sports editor of the Sunday independent. He also worked as the communications director of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Cricket South Africa paid its tribute to Hartman's contribution to the field of sports journalism.

"It is with much sadness and regret that we heard the news of the passing of Rodney Hartman, the doyen of South African sports writers," Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa's CEO, said. "Rodney was a man for all seasons and South African cricket was particularly fortunate that he devoted so much of his time, energy and skills to our sport.

"He graced the South African sports scene for four decades as a writer and sports editor and he will be sorely missed."