“A Remarkably Wise Person”: SA Mourns Dutch Reformed Minister Johann Symington, Lost at 78
- Prominent South African minister, author, and former Kerkbode editor Johann Symington passed away on Tuesday, 8 September 2026
- His daughter Suna confirmed he died of heart failure after a prolonged illness, just months after the death of his wife Hennie
- Symington leaves behind a decades-long legacy spanning parish ministry, television, radio, academic work, and church leadership
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SOUTH AFRICA — Johann Symington, a celebrated Dutch Reformed minister, author, and broadcaster who shaped South African religious and public life for more than five decades, died on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. He was 78.
His youngest daughter, Suna Symington, confirmed to church publication Kerkbode that he died of heart failure after a prolonged period of illness. His passing comes only months after the death of his wife, Hennie, who died in March 2026. The couple had been living at the Kokanje retirement resort near Modimolle in Limpopo during their final years together.
A life dedicated to ministry and the public
Born in 1948 as Johannes Cornelius Symington, he was ordained as a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in 1973. His parish career began in Colesberg in 1974, and he subsequently served congregations in Parksig, Lynnwood, Andrew Murray in Johannesburg, Welgemoed, and Hermanus.
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Around the turn of the millennium, Symington served as moderator of the Synod of Southern Transvaal, later renamed the Synod Hoëveld, where he played a central role in driving structural modernisation within the church. From 2004, he took on the role of Director of Communication for the NG Kerk, which included responsibility for publications Kerkbode and LiG, as well as championing the church's early digital presence online. He also lectured in practical theology at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Following his retirement from official NG Kerk duties in 2013, Symington and his wife relocated to Japan, where they served the Tokyo Union Church until 2019 before returning to South Africa.
Television, radio, and a writing career
Symington's ability to communicate faith simply and accessibly made him a familiar face far beyond the church. He hosted television programmes including Bybelbloktyd, Die huwelik is 'n vervelige gewoonte, and three seasons of the Ja-nee series on kykNET. On radio, he presented the Sunday evening programme Krus en dwars on RSG.
He also wrote a popular column for Rooi Rose magazine for more than a decade and authored several books, among them Man uit een stuk.
Family and tributes
Symington is survived by his three children: Pieter-Jan, Suna, and Claire. Suna described her father as a "remarkably wise person" who encouraged his children to find beauty in art, music, and everyday life.
Journalist and former Kerkbode colleague Jean Oosthuizen noted that Symington created a safe and trusting environment for journalists during his time as editor, and that despite his gentle, compassionate nature, he remained fiercely independent and resisted pressure from church authorities and influential figures alike.
The family has indicated that details regarding a memorial service will be announced once arrangements are finalised.
See the tribute here.
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Source: Briefly News
