EWN has announced the shocking news of South African political reporter Tshidi Madia’s death. The award-winning Primedia Broadcasting journalist died on Wednesday, 27 August, after a short illness.

The 42-year-old – the host of the Politricking show – was known for her bold interviews with politicians and analysts while asking hard-hitting questions.

RIP TSHIDI MADIA: WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF DEATH?

On Wednesday, EWN announced the news that Tshidi Madia had died earlier in the day. The media house’s Associate Political Editor passed after a short illness. No other details of her cause of death have been revealed.

Editor-in-chief Nisa Allie hailed Tshidi as the” jewel in EWN’s crown” in a tribute.

Allie said of the award-winning journalist: “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 political 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.

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. https://t.co/2jOS5LqEr8 pic.twitter.com/FqHhIEgo4u

— Eyewitness News (@ewnupdates) August 27, 2025

Primedia Broadcasting’s Chief Content Officer, Mzo Jojwana, said of Tshidi Madia: “We have lost one of the most respected voices in South African journalism.

“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.”

According to a statement by her family, details of Tshidi Madia’s funeral will be announced in due course.

I will miss those late calls. Rest in perfect peace. Tshidi Madia. Condolences to the family and friends.😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/LtwY0A6Fk8

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) August 27, 2025

TRIBUTES, PRAISE FROM PUBLIC

Tshidi Madia’s death was met with great sadness from the public.

Political parties and leaders have remembered Madia with heartfelt tributes.

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

The EFF extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of renowned broadcaster and journalist, Tshidi Madia.

May her soul Rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/82F6Zkrh2A

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 27, 2025

The broadcast journalist recently won the praise of South Africans when she challenged a US journalist on the topic of “white genocide”. This came after President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House to meet USA President Donald Trump.

She boldly said: “The issue is falsehood. White people are not being targeted. Crime is experienced by everybody, not just white people”.

Tshidi Madia also clapped back at claims Elon Musk had claimed that “racist laws” – ie, BEE – had prevented his business, Starlink, from operating in SA.

She responded: “So we are forced to undermine our transformative laws? We must be ok with a South Africa where the majority are denied their land, and deprived of access to economic transformation? We must be ok with South Africa being labelled the most unequal country in the world and not try and do anything about it?”

I still remember this interview Tshidi Madia did sometime after the visit by the SA team to the White House , may she rest in peace 😕 pic.twitter.com/G3vmtCzVRy

— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) August 27, 2025