RIP Tshidi Madia: 'I had faith she would pull through. The world is poorer without her' - Nisa Allie (Editor-in-Chief, EWN)

John Maytham (standing in for Cape Talk's Lester Kiewit) chats to EWN's Editor-in-Chief, Nisa Allie.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below:

A journalist who challenged, supported, and inspired.

That's the legacy left behind by EWN’s Associate Editor: Politics, Tshidi Madia.

ALSO READ: Statement from the Madia family 

"... I had every faith that Tshidi would pull through."

- Nisa Allie, Editor-in-Chief - EWN 

"I saw her on Saturday... it was her birthday. When August rolls around, I wouldn't hear the end of 'It's my birthday month'... I went to see her and said to her, 'We've got so many things... We'll celebrate your birthday... I owe you sushi.'"

- Nisa Allie, Editor-in-Chief - EWN 

"Yesterday was incredibly difficult. At 42 years old, she had so much more to give."

- Nisa Allie, Editor-in-Chief - EWN 

Allie describes her as a 'tough cookie' and a vital voice in the newsroom.

"... she would give me a run for my money. Tshidi wasn't critical only of politicians. In a newsroom, you want debate. In a newsroom, you want alternative views and voices, and she embodied that." 

- Nisa Allie, Editor-in-Chief - EWN 

She remembers Madia as a dedicated team leader who challenged political narratives and mentored younger reporters with equal passion.

Madia's desk, Allie says, still covered in G20 and UNGA planning documents, was a quiet testament to the work she never got to finish.

Beyond her fearless reporting, Madia was known for her warmth, fierce loyalty, and humour.

"As her friend and colleague, I am so grateful and privileged to have shared space with her over the past three years."

- Nisa Allie, Editor-in-Chief - EWN 

"She was a great aunt, a great sibling, a great daughter... the world is poorer without her." 

- Nisa Allie, Editor-in-Chief - EWN 

ALSO READ:

• EWN remembers Tshidi Madia for her fearless journalism & unforgettable presence 
• Primedia pays tribute to EWN’s Tshidi Madia 
• 'A voice who fought to get to the heart of the story and bring it to you': Stephen Grootes pays tribute to Tshidi Madia
• Mashatile says passing of EWN’s Tshidi Madia leaves void in SA journalism 
• DA says EWN’s Tshidi Madia distinguished herself through fearless reporting 

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.