Who was Tshidi Madia? EWN's Associate Political Editor, gone too soon

Who was Tshidi Madia? EWN's Associate Political Editor, gone too soon

Tshidi Madia was a prominent South African political journalist, famous for her insightful interviews, creating a platform for honest conversations within South Africa's political landscape. Although she had a trailblazing career, she tragically passed away after a short illness.

Tshidi Madia was an EWN's Associate Political Editor
Tshidi at Cape Town, Western Cape, on February 13, 2023 (L). Madia in July 2024 (R). Photo: @tshidimadia on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Madia tragically passed on August 27, 2025, following a short illness.
  • She had a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Johannesburg.
  • Tshidi was 42 years old at the time of her death.
  • Tshidi Madia worked at EWN as an Associate Editor for Politics.

Tshidi Madia's profile summary

Full nameTshidi Lee Madia
Gender Female
Date of birthAugust 23, 1983
Date of deathAugust 27, 2025
Age42 years old (at time of death)
Place of birthEkurhuleni, Johannesburg, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
EthnicityAfrican
FatherLous
MotherPat
SiblingsDavid, Brian, and Gerry
Relationship statusSingle
EducationUniversity of Johannesburg
ProfessionPolitical journalist and broadcaster
Social media InstagramX (Twitter)

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Who was Tshidi Madia?

Tshidi Madia was a respected South African political journalist and broadcaster. Throughout her career, she earned recognition for her professional integrity, contribution to South African democracy, and mentorship of younger journalists.

In her tribute to the late journalist, EWN editor-in-chief Nisa Allie referred to Madia as a powerhouse. She said,

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.
Tshidi Madia passed away aged 42 years
Tshidi Madia. Photo: @tshidi_lee on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

What happened to Tshidi Madia?

Tshidi Madia passed away on August 27, 2025, after a short illness. Following her sudden death, the Madia family shared a post announcing her death. The post read,

Tshidi passed away this morning after a short illness and hospitalization.
A respected journalist, she loved South Africa deeply and devoted her career to telling its stories. She brought joy and love to all who knew her.”

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A look at Tshidi Madia's biography

Tshidi, whose full name is Tshidi Lee Madia (age 42 years at the time of her death), was born on August 23, 1983, in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up during a critical time in South African history, witnessing the country's transition from apartheid to democracy.

This experience shaped her understanding of social justice, political accountability, and journalism's vital role in democracy. According to her LinkedIn profile, Tshidi Madia pursued a degree in communications, majoring in journalism and politics, from the University of Johannesburg, graduating in 2008.

Tshidi Madia was a South African political journalist and broadcaster
Tshidi at Primedia Sandton, on February 13, 2023 (L). Madia at Cape Town, Western Cape, on February 10, 2023 (R). Photo: @tshidimadia on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

What is known about Tshidi Madia's husband

The South African journalist was not married. Her family's post that announces her death is a tribute to her as a beloved daughter, sister, and respected journalist, but there is no mention of a spouse or marriage.

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Exploring Tshidi Madia's career

The renowned journalist debuted her journalism career at Eyewitness News (EWN) in production and traffic roles, learning the essentials of newsroom operations. She later worked at Power FM and News24. Tshidi was known for her calm, transparent political reporting.

Tshidi returned to EWN as a senior political reporter and was later promoted to Associate Editor for Politics. She was respected for her insightful analysis and mentorship to younger journalists.

Podcasting

Tshidi Madia ran a podcast called Politricking with Tshidi Madia. It focused on political news and featured interviews with local politicians and politically engaged individuals. The podcast explored political news headlines and their effects on people's lives.

Tshidi Madia passed away after a short illness
Tshidi on August 24, 2023 (L). Madia at Kaloum, Conakry, on May 25, 2023 (R). Photo: @tshidimadia on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Trivia

  • Madia conducted notable interviews, including one with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
  • Tshdi gained widespread prominence in mid-2025 following her coverage of the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump at the Oval Office.
  • Her podcast episodes are available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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Final word

Tshidi Madia, a respected South African political journalist, passed away at the age of 42, just three days after her birthday, following a brief illness.

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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Bennett Yates avatar

Bennett Yates (Lifestyle writer) Bennett Yates is a content creator with over six years of working experience in journalism and copywriting. He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. He has worked for Briefly.co.za for six years now. He specializes in topics like technology, entertainment, travel, lifestyle and sports. You can reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.