Seasoned journalist Tshidi Madia, EWN’s Associate Editor: Politics, died in hospital on Wednesday morning, 27 August 2025, following a short illness.
Tshidi Madia passes away after a short illness
According to Primedia Broadcasting, Tshidi was widely respected for her insightful political reporting and dedication to the public’s understanding of South Africa’s political landscape.
A career marked by dedication and achievement
Tshidi Madia began her career at Primedia Broadcasting as an assistant at EWN’s traffic desk, before moving to Power FM as a reporter and presenter.
She later joined News24, contributing significantly to the outlet’s political reporting, and eventually returned to EWN as a senior political reporter. She was later promoted to Associate Editor: Politics, leading a team of political journalists and mentoring new reporters.
Madia also hosted the popular podcast Politricking with Tshidi Madia, where she engaged leading political figures from across South Africa.
She was the only reporter to secure a one-on-one interview with President Cyril Ramaphosa before the 2024 elections, and she pursued an exclusive interview with former President Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla homestead.
According to Primedia Broadcasting’s Chief Content Officer, Mzo Jojwana:
“Tshidi made sense of and guided us through the South African political narrative. She was known for her ability to ask tough questions while maintaining a professional and respectful approach.”
Raised in a home where political debate was common, Tshidi’s interest in current affairs developed from a young age. She attended the University of Johannesburg and graduated in 2008 with a degree in communications, focusing on journalism and politics.
Her academic background laid the foundation for a career characterised by investigative reporting and political analysis.
Tshidi Madia was described by EWN Editor-in-Chief Nisa Allie as “the jewel in EWN’s crown. She was brave, professional, and tireless in pursuit of the truth. She led by example, mentoring young political journalists and forming a formidable politics team.”
,“Tshidi was a force in the media world, respected across the political spectrum, with an excellent network of contacts that she nurtured over the years. Her style was unique, holding those in power accountable with charm and precision,” Primedia Group CEO Jonathan Procter said.
Jojwana added that Tshidi’s reporting reached millions of listeners, viewers, and readers across platforms including 702, Cape Talk, 947, and various online channels, podcasts, and videos.
In recent months, Tshidi reported from the Oval Office in Washington, covering a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Her work consistently focused on helping the public understand political events and their impact on daily life.
