Primedia pays tribute to EWN’s Tshidi Madia

It is with gut-wrenching sadness that Primedia Broadcasting regrets to inform its audiences about the passing of Tshidi Madia, EWN’s Associate Editor: Politics.

Tshidi passed away in hospital on Wednesday morning, 27 August 2025, after a short illness.

EWN Editor-in-Chief, Nisa Allie “Tshidi was the jewel in EWN’s crown. She was a powerhouse. She was brave. She was the consummate professional, who worked tirelessly in pursuit of the truth. She led by example, mentoring and training many young political journalists. She formed a formidable politics team, which she was so proud of, and delivered one exclusive after the next, with absolute humility and professionalism.

She constantly raised the bar for herself, juggling reporting and her editor responsibilities, daily. Laughter and robust debate would always surround Tshidi.

Outside of her public persona, Tshidi was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Her no holds barred approach, seeped into every aspect of her life. She worked hard and loved even harder. The sun shines differently without you today, Matshidiso. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Tshidi’s father, her siblings, her nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles, cousins and broader family.”

“We have lost one of the most respected voices in South African journalism,” said Mzo Jojwana, Primedia Broadcasting’s Chief Content Officer, responding to her loss. “Tshidi made sense of and guided us through the South African political narrative.”

“Tshidi was known for her ability to engage with politicians across the political spectrum, asking tough questions while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanour. Her work was guided by a commitment to providing the public with a clear and empathetic understanding of how political events impact their daily lives.”

“Tshidi will be deeply missed by the millions of our listeners, viewers, and readers who followed her reporting for EWN as well as her contributions on 702, Cape Talk, 947, KFM, our websites, podcasts, and videos,” Jojwana said.

Primedia’s Group CEO Jonathan Procter said, “Tshidi was a force that I have seldom encountered in the many years of my media world experience, both locally and internationally. She was incredibly well connected, respected across the political spectrum with an excellent network of contacts whom she had nurtured over the years”.

“Her style was unique, and she was able to hold those in power to account with a fierce charm that tinkled.”

“She will be greatly and sadly missed by me and the rest of the Primedia family. On behalf of all at Primedia, I send our condolences to her family and friends at this time of great grief,” said Procter.

Allie concludes, “Tshidi sent me this quote recently which feels apt to repeat in her honour: “In courage and poise, she boldly stands tall, her heart beats in rhythm, a powerful call. Amidst life’s harsh trials, her light shines so bright, a beacon of hope in the darkest of night.”

Background/profile:

Tshidi Madia was EWN’s Associate Editor: Politics. She was well known to its audiences for her insightful analysis, in-depth interviews, and commitment to objective reporting. She was a leading voice in the country's political landscape.

Raised in a home filled with spirited political debate, Madia's interest in the country's affairs was nurtured from a young age. She pursued her formal education at the University of Johannesburg, where she obtained her degree in communications with a focus on journalism and politics in 2008.

Madia's professional career began at Primedia Broadcasting, starting off as an assistant at EWN’s traffic desk.

She then joined the first team at Power FM as a reporter and presenter before moving to News24 where Tshidi played a pivotal role in its politics reporting.

She returned to her broadcast home at EWN as a senior political reporter and was then promoted to Associate Editor: Politics.

She became well-known for her popular podcast, "Politricking with Tshidi Madia." On this platform, she engaged with South Africa's most significant political figures from the various political parties.

She had many career highlights, being at the forefront of major political events.

She was the only reporter to secure a one-on-one interview with President Cyril Ramaphosa before the 2024 Elections. Her tenacious pursuit of an interview with former President Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla homestead, was also a testament to her relentless approach to her journalism.

A few months ago, Tshidi was in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, witnessing and reporting on the meeting between President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa.