The deputy minister in the presidency, Kenny Morolong, has described the death of Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu as an unfillable void in the media fraternity, highlighting his significant contributions to both local and commercial media.

Morolong delivered a message of support during Ndlovu’s funeral service in Mahlabathini, KwaMhlanga, on June 21 – a day that also marked the late journalist’s birthday. He praised Ndlovu’s unwavering passion for nurturing future journalists and media entrepreneurs, as well as his enduring commitment and dedication to the industry.

His sentiments were echoed by representatives of the Media Development and Diversity Agency, the African Media and Communicators Forum, and the National Press Club (NPC).

In honour of Ndlovu’s legacy, the NPC announced it would introduce an annual award in his name to recognise excellence in community media. This award will form part of the NPC’s Journalist of the Year competition.

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Ndlovu’s partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, was laid to rest the day before, on Friday, at her family home in Mahushu. Morolong also attended her funeral. A joint memorial service for the couple was held at the Government Communication and Information System Auditorium in Pretoria on June 18.

The couple, who were based in KwaMhlanga and Pretoria – where Ndlovu operated his community radio station, Capital Live SA – went missing on February 18. Their bodies were later discovered on a farm in Rust de Winter, Limpopo, on May 8. DNA analysis, matched with samples from biological relatives, confirmed their identities on June 4.

As a result of their deaths, five men are facing charges of kidnapping and murder. They appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on June 20.

Four of the accused – Father Samuel Mogowe, Lucky Sikhosana, David Madisha, and Sello Skhalo Uoane – had previously abandoned their bail applications. A fifth suspect, Thabang Isaac Hlophe, was recently linked to the case and formally joined as an accused.

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All five remain in custody pending their next court appearance on July 4. According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the June 20 proceedings were to formally join Hlophe to the matter and consider a possible bail application on his behalf. However, this was postponed after Hlophe opted to appoint a private attorney.