South African Journalist Tshidi Madia Dies at 42 After Short Illness
South African journalist and broadcaster Tshidi Madia has died at the age of 42, following a short illness.
The Eyewitness News (EWN) associate editor for politics passed away on Wednesday morning.
Her family confirmed her death in statement, stating;
“The Madia family announces with deep sadness, the passing of their beloved daughter and sister, Tshidi Madia. A respected journalist, she loved South Africa deeply and devoted her career to telling its stories. She brought joy and love to all who knew her, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.”
The family said details of her funeral and memorial service will be shared in due course.
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EWN Mourns a Powerhouse Journalist
Eyewitness News Editor-in-Chief Nisa Allie paid tribute to Madia, describing her as the jewel in the publication’s crown.
“She was a powerhouse. She was brave. She was the consummate professional who worked tirelessly in pursuit of the truth. She led by example, mentoring and training many young political journalists. She formed a formidable politics team, which she was so proud of, and delivered one exclusive after the next, with absolute humility and professionalism,” Allie said.
Allie added that Madia consistently pushed herself while balancing her reporting and editorial responsibilities, noting that her presence was always accompanied by “laughter and robust debate.”
Celebrated Career and Influence
Madia was widely respected for her objective reporting, in-depth interviews, and unwavering dedication to impartiality, earning recognition as a prominent voice in South Africa’s political journalism.
In May, she was in the Oval Office at the White House reporting on the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and then-US President Donald Trump. Following the visit, she appeared on News Nation, a US network, where she gained widespread praise for strongly rejecting claims of “white genocide” in South Africa, with commentators saying she “mopped the floor” with host Leland Vittert.
Tributes Pour In
The news of her passing sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with fellow journalists, politicians, and colleagues remembering her as a committed storyteller who left a lasting mark on South African journalism.