Maritzburg College Old Boys note with sadness the passing of Graham Linscott, a distinguished journalist, columnist and storyteller, who died at the age of 83.
Graham enjoyed a long and respected career in journalism, working across 11 African countries for the Argus Africa News Service, the Argus Group and later Independent Newspapers. His roles included foreign correspondent, parliamentary correspondent, syndicated columnist and associate editor.
He reported on the revolutionary wars in Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and spent many years in the press gallery of the South African Parliament. These experiences often informed his much-loved daily Idler column in The Mercury, where his sharp wit and humour earned him a loyal readership. Graham held the role of Idler for more than 15 years, contributing to a tradition that spans 144 years. He was also the author of several books and was widely respected as an old-school journalist with a wonderful way with words.
Maritzburg College extends its sincere condolences to Graham’s family and friends, and remembers with pride an Old Boy whose words informed, entertained and endured.