Tshidi’s death shattered my heart into a thousand pieces: Father

Tshidi Madia’s father has described the day of her passing as one of the worst days of his life.

The seasoned journalist and broadcaster was laid to rest in Ekurhuleni today, where family, friends and industry colleagues gathered to pay their last respects.

Madia, who was the politics editor at Eyewitness News (EWN), passed away at the age of 42 last week, following a short illness.

In a heartfelt tribute, Madia’s father said no words could capture the profound emptiness left by his daughter’s passing.

“I write these words through tears that feel like they will never stop. You taught me patience, laughter and the purest kind of love, for that I will always be grateful. Our home will never be the same, we already miss your loud voice that brought joy and life into the house, your laughter that warmed every heart and your generosity that touched us all,” he said.

“You always cared about my well-being, never forgetting if I’ve eaten or if I was fine, you showed your love in so many little ways, buying me marshmallows, birthday cakes.”

Madia’s father said he will always be proud of the force she became and the legacy she leaves behind.

Madia’s nieces, nephews and cousins also took to the stage, sharing stories of how Madia never missed an opportunity to pour into their lives, offering guidance, love, and unwavering support.

They say her infectious laughter and generous heart touched many lives, describing her as one in a million.

“She wasn’t just an aunt, she was like a mother to me and my cousins; she treated us like her own, she was tremendously supportive with all our dreams, and she would do anything for us to succeed.

“She was an interesting character; there was never a day that we wouldn’t learn from her.”

Tshidi Madia’s funeral was a celebration of a life lived boldly, with heart, conviction, and a legacy that will continue to shape journalism for years to come.

♦️In Pictures♦️

The EFF Deputy President @GardeeGodrich at the funeral service of the late @ewnupdates Associate Politics Editor, Tshidi Madia.

Tshidi will be remembered as a dedicated journalist with a sharp mind and a rare ability to ask the right questions.#RIPTshidiMadia pic.twitter.com/ZtdLXbxKjM

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 4, 2025

I’d like to share a memory of Tshidi’s first radio broadcast. Disclaimer: memory is highly contested and I respect that some of you may have a different memory. This is how I remember it.

Tshidi was on the traffic desk working with Aki Anastasiou. She had grown frustrated as… pic.twitter.com/RWl9SN82NA

— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) September 3, 2025

My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of journalist, political commentator, radio host and moderator Tshidi Madia who has passed away in the prime of her life.

Tshidi loved our country and this was the backdrop to her tough questions and her hopeful vision of a… pic.twitter.com/I8grzXa7h4

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 27, 2025

Good bye African Queen. We will continue to celebrate your legacy. Rest in Power Tshidi Madia ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. pic.twitter.com/0kCdVCdbzc

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) September 4, 2025

Today we are paying our final tribute to Tshidi Madia at San Salvador Catholic, Leondale, Germiston. Lala ngoxolo, You were the people’s journalist, and the nation’s conscience. pic.twitter.com/mdreO4EBds

— Andile Lungisa (@mrlungisa) September 4, 2025

I give thanks to God Almighty for the beautifully organised memorial service in honour of Tshidi Madia.

May you rest peacefully, Tshidi. 🫂🤍 I will always love you. pic.twitter.com/SN87lMI6sN

— Alpha Ramushwana (@JusstAlpha) September 3, 2025

We stopped by to check Rasta’s work. #TshidiMadia 🕊️@Sentletse DP @GardeeGodrich pic.twitter.com/8SQkbLdRPE

— Mr L&M. (@OscarMagud) September 4, 2025

RIP @tshidi_lee.🙏🏾 We undoubtedly lost one of the most brilliant young minds in journalism in South Africa.

My proudest moment was when she held this teachable moment with this journalist who had not done his research on the so called “white genocide” in #SA. RIP Tshidi Madia.🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/o1BSTymdG1

— Felicia Mabuza-Suttle (@Feliciamabuza) August 27, 2025

📸📸 | Today we bid farewell to Ms Tshidi Madia, a respected political journalist and Associate Politics Editor at Eyewitness News.

Her funeral service takes place at San Salvador Catholic Church, Germiston, where colleagues, friends, and family gather to honour her remarkable… pic.twitter.com/FxXmjdWueH

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 4, 2025