The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), in joint coordination with our esteemed parent body, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Guild of Newspaper Editors, opened a Book of Condolence on Wednesday, April 30th 2025, to honour the memory of our beloved late colleague and former SWASAL Vice President, Austin Allan Thomas.
The late Mr. Thomas, aged 59, passed away on March 6th, 2025, in the United Kingdom.
Various speakers expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider media community, offering thoughts and prayers during this challenging time of mourning.
Addressing all present, Rev. Canon S.B. Kargbo Johnson encouraged everyone with the word of God. He reminded everyone that: “A soul prepared is never taken by surprise, and I am sure Allan was prepared.”
President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Ahmed Sahid Nasralla in his tribute, described Austin as not just a member of SLAJ but as a member of the broader media fraternity.
“We gather here with heavy hearts but with deep gratitude to honour the life and legacy of our fallen colleague, Austin Thomas. Austin was not just a member of SLAJ but a member of the broader media fraternity,” he said.
National Secretary General of SLAJ Alhaji Manika Kamara recognized Austin’s punctuality for meetings and one who stood for integrity and professionalism.
”Austin was an active member of SLAJ in his active years he hardly ever missed a meeting. Austin valued integrity and professionalism. Today, we say farewell to a colleague who gave so much to our profession, ” he acknowledged.
President of SWASAL, Sahr Morris Jr. acknowledged the death of Austin as a grave loss to the association, where he diligently served as Vice President. He therefore pronouncds that in recognition of his great contribution to the association, an award will be given in honour of him known as the “Austin Thomas Award.”
“Austin made reporting local sports a priority. We learnt a lot from him as sports journalists. He was never boastful amidst his achievements. Austin served us diligently as Vice President. When we will be hosting our awards we shall assign a special award and brand it the Austin Thomas Award,” he assured.
Outgone Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors Theo Harding said: “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living”. He praised Austin for his Ethical Journalism and called on colleagues to do the same:
“Austin upheld ethical journalism, to members of the guild let the death of Austin strengthen us and make us uphold ethical journalism in Sierra Leone. Let us not only mourn but continue his life by continuing what he loved, ethical and fearless journalism”, he encouraged.
Veteran journalist and former President of SLAJ and Publisher of Awoko Publication paid a solemn tribute to the late Austin, whom he described as a friend, brother, staff and colleague:
“Austin loved football and loved AC Milan. The AC Milan coach Capello was just as expressive as Austin and that was how he came to get the nickname Capello.”
”Austin never wanted to be a journalist he wanted to be an accountant. When SLET started going down he started reporting sports because he had access to the internet and international football which was his speciality.
”He moved over from Concord to Awoko and brought his style and that is what most papers copied and still maintain today.
”I took Austin to a coverage where women protested and went to Foday Sankoh’s house and it was quite an experience, despite the drama and risking our lives I am sure this was one of the events that made Austin decided to be a journalist,’’ Kelvin recalled.
”We will all mourn but we would mourn knowing he is in a good place”, he concluded.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, 2nd May 2025, in the UK. There will, however, be a funeral service in Regent, Freetown for colleagues back home on Saturday, 3rd May 2025.
We kindly urge all members to pay their respects and support as we bid farewell to our esteemed former colleague.
May the gentle soul of Austin Allan Thomas rest in perfect peace.
