SA entertainment industry mourns passing of Barry Ronge
One of South Africa’s best-known film critics has died at the age of 74.
Barry Ronge passed away peacefully several days ago.
He reportedly had asked his partner of several decades, Albertus van Dyk, to only announce his death a week after passing away.
Ronge was the former arts editor of the Sunday Times.
He retired in 2014.
Famed South African director and producer Anant Singh has paid tribute to Ronge, describing him as "a passionate lover of films".
"When I ventured into film production, Barry understood the struggles I endured in those early days and supported my endeavours," Singh said in a statement.
"Whilst not all of his reviews over the years were favourable, he was always honest in his critique.
"For me, I appreciated the fact that even if he didn’t like a film, he would write his reviews in a manner that was inoffensive.
"There are many talented film critics in South Africa, but Barry was in a class of his own. He is no doubt a legend and he set the bar for film critics in the country."