Matshidiso Tshidi Madia (42) EWN’s Associate Editor: Politics, died in hospital on 27 August 2025 after a short illness, Primedia Broadcasting confirmed. Her passing has prompted tributes from colleagues, political figures and listeners across the country.
Tshidi built a reputation for fearless, clear reporting and thoughtful analysis. She rose through Primedia after starting on EWN’s traffic desk, worked at Power FM and News24 and returned to EWN as a senior political reporter before becoming Associate Editor: Politics. (EWN)
Audiences recognised her from incisive interviews and her podcast, Politricking with Tshidi Madia.
EWN Editor-in-Chief Nisa Allie said: ‘Tshidi was the jewel in EWN’s crown. She was a powerhouse. She was brave.’
Primedia’s Chief Content Officer, Mzo Jojwana, described her as ‘one of the most respected voices in South African journalism.’
Group CEO Jonathan Procter praised her ability to hold power to account with charm. These tributes underline the high regard in which colleagues held her work.
The Madia family asked for privacy as they make funeral arrangements and thanked the public for its messages of support (EWN). Colleagues recalled her warmth off air, fierce loyalty to family and dedication to mentoring younger journalists.
Listeners and peers are sharing memories across radio, social media and news platforms as the country mourns a journalist who helped many make sense of politics.
X (formerly Twitter) users weighed in:
Listening to #TshidiMadia tributes with sadness.
Beyond being an exceptional journalist, Tshidi stood out as one of the very few in SA’s mainstream media who had the courage to raise her voice against the genocide in Gaza and the deliberate killing of journalists.@salaamedia pic.twitter.com/MMjiJPBwrs
— Ponty Moletsane (@pontymoletsane1) August 28, 2025
You get to know people listening to the on radio… You’ll be sorely missed.. Quality journalism in decline 💔.. @702 @BrandPrimedia #TshidiMadia RIP🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/gWLpDKjnbv
— Monalisa Sibongile ❤️🏳️🌈 (@monalisa_zwam) August 28, 2025
Intelligent, fearless, insightful and succinct. She was an incredible broadcaster. Rest in power 🙏🏾. #TshidiMadia pic.twitter.com/wLeIlidO4I
— @T.K. (@TK_Festo) August 27, 2025
First published by Cape {town} etc
Compiled by Angelica Rhoda
Also see: Viola Davis praised for speaking against ‘White Genocide’ in SA
