The passing of Gillian Van Houten has brought profound sadness to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. During this time of immense grief, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her children, Shaun, Tao, and Savanna, to John Varty, and to every loved one mourning her loss. The passing of someone whose life reflected warmth, compassion, and grace leaves an immeasurable void, but her memory will forever remain a source of comfort and inspiration .
Gillian Van Houten, one of South Africa’s most recognisable television news presenters during the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 72 . For generations of South Africans, she was the reassuring face that delivered the evening news during a defining period in the country’s history . Her transition from the bright lights of the television studio to the untamed African bush represents one of the most remarkable reinventions in South African public life.
A Storied Career in Broadcasting
Van Houten’s journey began behind the news desk, where she became a household name and earned widespread recognition as a trusted SABC news anchor. Her presence on screen was characterized by poise, intelligence, and an unwavering professionalism that made her one of the country’s most beloved broadcasters .
Her colleagues and viewers alike admired her ability to deliver news with grace and authority during a tumultuous period in South African history. She became a symbol of journalistic integrity, earning the trust of a nation that tuned in to hear her voice and see her face each evening .
But Gillian Van Houten was never content to remain within the confines of a studio. Her story did not end in the newsroom; it was merely the first chapter of an extraordinary life that would take her from the heart of South African media to the wild frontiers of conservation .
An Unconventional Love Story
In what is described as a daring leap of faith, Van Houten left her high-profile career to become a dedicated big cat conservationist alongside renowned wildlife filmmaker and conservationist John Varty . Their love story was always seen as an extraordinary, unconventional romance defined by a shared passion for the wild .
Earlier this year, in April, as a tribute to Van Houten on her 72nd birthday, Varty shared the story of how their remarkable journey together began. He recounted the letter he wrote to the SABC years ago—a handwritten invitation in which he asked her to join his leopard project at Londolozi Game Reserve, asking if she wanted to “make the news instead of reading it” .
The letter was a poem that captured the essence of their unconventional courtship:
“Every man, including me, was in love with you on TV; a photographer’s dream, a fashion queen. Across the land you spread your fame, Gillian van Houten is your name. I sent a letter to the SABC, come with me on safari, leave your life of luxury, and you will see the natural world and all its beauty. Gillian, come with me, come with me” .
Van Houten took that leap, and together with Varty and legendary tracker Elmon Mhlongo, she helped raise the famous orphaned leopard cub Shingalana . She featured prominently in acclaimed wildlife documentaries including The Secret Life of Leopards and Living with Leopards, showcasing her deep connection to the natural world .
Standing Through Life’s Greatest Trials
Varty announced her passing in an emotional tribute posted on Facebook, writing that “your pain is gone” as he bid farewell to the woman he affectionately called “Gilly” . His message carried both sorrow and gratitude, expressing relief that her suffering had come to an end while celebrating the remarkable woman she was .
Reflecting on their life together, Varty spoke of his enduring love for Van Houten and thanked her for standing by him through the hardest times of his life—including a devastating helicopter crash, a tiger attack, and a heart attack .
In 1995, Varty suffered serious spinal injuries when the helicopter he was using to film wildlife crashed . In 2012, he spent a month in hospital after being mauled by a four-year-old Bengal tiger at his Tiger Canyons reserve near Philippolis in the Free State. Van Houten was by his side throughout, describing the incident as a “freak accident” and noting that the young tiger, Corbett, was “still young and is coming up with all kinds of tricks” .
Van Houten described the attack, explaining that the tiger saw Varty as a dominant male and the incident was “just about one male challenging another male” . Her calm and steadfast presence during his recovery reflected the depth of their bond.
Varty also survived a heart attack, and through it all, Van Houten remained his unwavering support system .
A Battle with Dementia
Behind the scenes, Van Houten faced her own battle. In the tribute to Van Houten on her 72nd birthday, Varty revealed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affected her speech and memory .
Varty vividly remembered the day he received the news while on a game drive at Londolozi. The family sat down together and determined that they had another three years of good quality of life ahead. “And for three years we really had a good quality of life,” he recalled .
In the fourth year after Van Houten’s diagnosis, things changed significantly, and she needed specialized high care 24 hours a day . “Unfortunately the walks on the beach came to an end; no more game drives,” Varty said .
Then came the day he had dreaded—when she could no longer remember his name . For a man who had shared decades of life with her, raised children together, and weathered countless storms side by side, this was perhaps the most heartbreaking moment of all.
Varty’s final farewell was simple yet profound: “Gilly, your pain is gone. All things must pass. I love you dearly. JV” .
A Legacy Beyond Broadcasting
Van Houten’s contributions extended far beyond journalism and conservation. She authored several books, including The Way of the Leopard, and became a passionate advocate for environmental causes . Her dedication to storytelling and wildlife preservation helped audiences connect with nature through genuine care and respect rather than spectacle .
She and Varty raised three children together—Savanna, Sha, and Tao—whom Varty frequently called his greatest gifts . As a mother, she nurtured them with unconditional love, wisdom, and unwavering support, leaving them with values that will continue to guide them throughout their lives .
Their partnership and former marriage—they married in 1995 —produced not only a family but also a body of conservation work that has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s natural heritage . Together, they worked on numerous projects aimed at protecting South Africa’s wildlife and raising awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity .
An Outpouring of Tributes
News of Gillian Van Houten’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues, friends, and admirers, many remembering her as a pioneering broadcaster, gifted storyteller, and passionate conservationist .
Musician and songwriter Don Clarke described her as a South African icon, recalling that although he met her only once, she left a lasting impression through her intelligence, kindness, and warmth. He also reflected on collaborating with John Varty on a ballad inspired by their enduring love story .
Conservation advocate Jill Watson remembered Van Houten as someone whose love for Africa’s wild places reached countless people. She praised her dedication to storytelling, saying her work helped audiences connect with wildlife through genuine care and respect .
A Life of Grace and Purpose
Those who knew Van Houten admired not only her warmth and intelligence but also her ability to make others feel seen, heard, and appreciated. She possessed a rare gift for building meaningful relationships, offering encouragement, compassion, and friendship without expecting anything in return .
Her journey from trusted news anchor to dedicated conservationist reflected a life lived with purpose and authenticity. She had the courage to leave behind a successful career to pursue a calling that resonated with her deepest values. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone contemplating a bold change in pursuit of what truly matters.
May She Rest in Peace
Gillian Van Houten will be remembered as a woman of extraordinary grace, compassion, and quiet strength whose life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, dignity, generosity, and grace will continue to inspire family, friends, and future generations who hear her story .
Though she is no longer physically present, the light she brought into the lives of others will never fade. May she rest in everlasting peace, forever remembered with gratitude, admiration, and love. Her memory will remain a treasured blessing, inspiring others to live with kindness, grace, and generosity, just as she did throughout her remarkable life.
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