Africa mourns top SA journalist Tshidi Madia who died at 42 after a short illness
By Wires
Tributes have poured in for revered South African journalist Tshidi Madia who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 42.
Madia, who was the associate political editor at Eyewitness News died in hospital after a short illness.
She had recently reported from the Oval Office in Washington, where President Cyril Ramaphosa met with President Donald Trump amid tense diplomatic relations between the two countries over contested claims of violence against white farmers in South Africa.
Madia was interviewed on US television where she debunked myths around a genocide in South Africa, successfully making her fellow countrymen feel seen and heard.
Sanef said in a statement: “Tshidi commanded the respect of all political parties and political players. At the same time, she continued to hold them to account with professionalism and integrity. Breaking stories was part of Tshidi’s DNA.”
Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatiele in a statement: “Behind that sharp intellect and strategic approach to her craft was a profound and unwavering love for her country, South Africa—a love only equalled by her passion for journalism. She believed fiercely in the role of a free press in a thriving democracy and held those in power to account with fairness and rigour.
The African National Congress (ANC) has learned with great sadness of the passing of Tshidi Madia, a respected journalist whose work left an indelible mark on South Africa’s media and democratic landscape.
Tshidi was a force, a dynamite, whose passion for storytelling gave voice to the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of our people. She loved South Africa deeply and dedicated her career to ensuring that the stories of ordinary citizens were told with honesty, depth, and care.
Her fearless commitment to truth, her sharp intellect, and her integrity enriched public debate and strengthened our democracy. The ANC values her contribution to the national discourse, where she consistently challenged and inspired through her work.
