By Selloane Khalane 
It feels almost impossible to imagine South Africa’s political landscape without Tshidi Madia’s 
voice cutting through the noise. Today, as the country mourns her passing, we are reminded not 
only of the journalist she was—but of the human being who gave so much of herself to her 
work, her colleagues, and her country. 

A Sudden Silence that Echoes Deeply 
Matshidiso “Tshidi” Madia passed away on the morning of Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at the 
age of 42, just days after her birthday. She died in hospital following a brief illness and 
hospitalization—a loss that reverberated across the media fraternity and beyond. 
Her family, through spokesperson Mahlatse Mahlase, described her as “a respected journalist” 
who “loved South Africa deeply and devoted her career to telling its stories,” and noted that 
funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. 

Madia was never just another political reporter. She saw through the fog of power, asked the 
questions others were too timid to raise, and refused to be silenced when the truth demanded to 
be told. Her journalism was fearless, yet never cruel. She challenged—and yet, she listened. 
She understood that democracy isn’t just about leaders and policies, but about the lives of 
ordinary people too often left on the margins. 

The Woman Behind the Byline 
Beyond the headlines and hard questions, Madia radiated warmth. In the newsroom—often a 
space crowded with deadlines and competition—her laughter, authenticity, and generous 
mentorship created a rare sense of belonging. She had a particular commitment to supporting 
young journalists, creating space in political reporting for voices that had long been relegated to 
the sidelines. 

Tributes poured in from across South Africa’s polarized political spectrum, reflecting the respect 
she commanded—even among those unsettled by her sharp questioning. President Cyril 
Ramaphosa recalled her deep love for the country and her vision for a better South Africa, 
especially poignant in the wake of her passing during Women’s Month. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile mourned a “formidable” and “beloved” media voice—“the 
darling of the media,” he said—whose incisive journalism and tenacious pursuit of truth would 
be deeply missed. The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) called it “a profound loss 
to the media fraternity,” praising her as a professional of integrity who held all political actors to 
account. 

To those closest to her, Madia was more than a journalist. She was a daughter, sister, and 
friend—grounding, loving, and fierce. Her family’s loss is immeasurable; their beloved Tshidi 
brought light and laughter into every room. 

Her journalism wasn’t about spectacle—it was about service. Whether hosting her popular 
podcast Politricking with Tshidi Madia, securing rare interviews with President Ramaphosa and 
Jacob Zuma, or reporting from the Oval Office while confronting false narratives, Tshidi served 
the ideals of a free and just society with humility and tenacity. 

Funeral and Memorial: Waiting to Celebrate Her Life 
While the details of her funeral and memorial services are pending, the anticipation is heartfelt. 
News reports confirm that the family will communicate these arrangements in due course, giving 
all who loved her an opportunity to share in the grief and pay tribute. 

As we say goodbye, we carry both sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow, because her voice is gone and 
the silence it leaves is heavy. Gratitude, because she walked with us, unwavering in her pursuit 
of truth and fairness. Her legacy reminds us that journalism at its best is not about ambition or 
acclaim—it’s about courage, authenticity, empathy, and service to democracy. 

Rest gently, Tshidi. Your voice may have fallen silent, but your light continues to guide us.