The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has paid tribute to political journalist Tshidi Madia, recognising her contribution to journalism and public discourse.

Madia, who worked with Primedia (EWN and Radio 702), passed away yesterday after a short illness.

She was Eyewitness News associate political editor and spent more than 10 years in the media. She was celebrated for her political coverage and projects such as ‘Politricking with Tshidi Madia’.

“It is our collective view that young women in the media or the profession of journalism should emulate the brilliance, courage and integrity, which were standards Ms Tshidi Madia crowned her life with.

“We bid a sad farewell to a woman of extraordinary resilience, who rose above her circumstances until her pinnacle of success. On behalf of the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, I convey my deepest condolences to her family and friends,” said Chikunga.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, also expressed condolences to Madia’s family and colleagues.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said Madia would be remembered for her professionalism, courage and commitment to telling South Africa’s story.

“During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation,” the GCIS said.

Madia was also recognised as a mentor to young journalists and for building constructive relationships between government and the media.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described her as ‘one of South Africa’s most respected political journalists’, who was celebrated for her integrity and commitment to holding power to account.

“Tshidi was not only a journalist of exceptional calibre, but also a voice of reason and fairness. Her fearless pursuit of accountability enriched the country’s democratic discourse.

“Her passing is a devastating loss to the media fraternity, our democracy, and to all South Africans who relied on her sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth,” said Lesufi. – SAnews.gov.za

My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of journalist, political commentator, radio host and moderator Tshidi Madia who has passed away in the prime of her life.

Tshidi loved our country and this was the backdrop to her tough questions and her hopeful vision of a… pic.twitter.com/I8grzXa7h4

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 27, 2025

The whole of South Africa has lost something today. Tshidi Madia was one of the hardest working journalists in the world. She was a part of what makes South Africa the best nation in the world.

Tshidi took her profession seriously and respected people from all walks of life. It… pic.twitter.com/3FdPSdwn6q

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) August 27, 2025

RIP @tshidi_lee.🙏🏾 We undoubtedly lost one of the most brilliant young minds in journalism in South Africa.

My proudest moment was when she held this teachable moment with this journalist who had not done his research on the so called “white genocide” in #SA. RIP Tshidi Madia.🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/o1BSTymdG1

— Felicia Mabuza-Suttle (@Feliciamabuza) August 27, 2025

[ON AIR]

Remembering #TshidiMadia

Rewatch Hanging out interview now on YouTube with Tshidi Madia reflecting on journalism, politics, EWN, and her recent trip to America.

Watch full interview here: https://t.co/wfeodqiJF6 #RIPTshidiMadia #HangingOut #Media #702WalkTheTalk pic.twitter.com/smsldjmd4z

— 702 (@Radio702) August 28, 2025

The passing of Tshidi Madia comes as a shock. She was without doubt immensely dedicated to her craft. Her rise in media fraternity was well earned, her passing will leave a space in media, newsrooms and public discourse that can never be filled. Sincere condolences to her family,… pic.twitter.com/aEnNKJYyEG

— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) August 27, 2025

[WATCH] The late Tshidi Madia, Associate Political Editor at Eyewitness News, is fondly remembered for her fearless storytelling. EWN Editor-in-Chief Nisa Allie describes her as irreplaceable. pic.twitter.com/gjzCqpCffF

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 28, 2025

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.