Final salute to media man, Stephen Mbedzi
Mbedzi (33) was a well-known persona in the province and at the time of his death, was the DA Limpopo's caucus media officer.
Editorial Team
POLOKWANE – Media man Stephen Mbedzi’s deep voice will never again ring through the halls of the building he is in.
This vibrant man whose presence anywhere was immediately known from the sound of his voice carrying over the airwaves died suddenly in a local hospital on Tuesday after a short illness.
Mbedzi (33) was a well-known persona in the province and at the time of his death, was the DA Limpopo’s caucus media officer.
Prior to this, he worked for Northern Media Group (NMG) for nearly 10 years in several different capacities, beginning as a freelance journalist writing from Vhembe, and ending as editor of the Capricorn Voice and Polokwane Express. Even after leaving NMG’s service, he still supplied articles on a freelance basis.
Mbedzi was key in bringing the Polokwane Express into being and was this publication’s first editor. He was the driving force behind NMG’s 2010 Soccer World Cup project, a project that thrived in his hands.
His baritone voice was often heard on Phala Phala FM, Thobela FM and Radio Turf. He made several appearances on SABC 1 soapie, Skeem Saam and SABC 2 soapie, Muvhango.
Mbedzi was a keen rugby player and he used to play for Noordelikes Rugby Club. He showed his leadership skills early on when he became head boy at Westenburg Secondary School.
In the short time he was employed by the DA, he had already made his mark. DA Limpopo Leader, Jacques Smalle, was devastated by Mbedzi’s untimely passing. “Stephen was a seasoned journalist and a defender of media freedom. His decision to join the DA was largely informed by his deeply-felt love for the country and the Constitution. His skills in articulating his thoughts through his pen were unsurpassed. He was a passionate wordsmith.
“The DA family is incomplete without his warm and loving character. He will forever be a part of us,” Smalle said.
Such was Mbedzi’s impact on those he had contact with, that ANC Limpopo Chairperson and Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, also sent his personal condolences.
Speaking on behalf of the EFF Limpopo, Provincial Secretary, Jossey Buthane said the EFF was shocked to learn of his untimely death. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mbedzi family, friends and relatives for having lost such a talent. We will miss his talent and the energy he showed society. He was a person who loved his work and I can’t believe that he is no more,” Buthane said.
Speaking on behalf of NMG’s editorial team, group editor, Joline Nash said it feels like yesterday that Mbedzi started working at NMG. “Death is so final, but it brings one to a place where one can quietly sit and think about the person who passed away. For almost 10 years we called him our colleague, but more importantly, for almost 10 years he was our friend,” Nash said.
Nash offered the following tribute to Mbedzi on behalf of the editorial team: “It feels like yesterday when you joined NMG; you were ready to take on the world and determined to make a difference, and that never changed. You never said no to a challenge and stood up for what you believed in, but what we will remember most, is your loving heart.
“With small gestures you always showed you cared. With a notebook and camera in your hand you gave thousands a voice, you helped those who were unable to help themselves, you made people listen.
“As a dad you only wanted the best for your family, always making a plan to improve their lives.
“Today we say goodbye to not only a colleague but a friend. Thank you for the role you played in our lives.
“To the Mbedzi family, our deepest sympathy in this difficult time”.
Nash added that Mbedzi will be remembered for his passion for communication and the written word, and his relentless pursuit thereof. “His feistiness as a person and his challenging nature made him a dynamic driving force in any newsroom. He will be missed.”
Hundreds of messages of condolence from people whose lives were touched by Mbedzi were also seen on social media.
Mbedzi leaves behind his wife, Giverllee Ledile, and his daughter, Lufuno, as well as his parents and siblings.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as yet, and will be made known via our social media platforms.
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