In 1994 an old Apartheid country was white-washed and reformed: ANC stalwart Nelson Mandela was co-president with neo-apartheid architect, FW De Klerk.
There were thousands of journalists, writers, analysts and wanna-be’s that were born, raised, lived and worked in the country:
Their mission: you battle for the definition of the soul of this new country.
Some of them were little girls between 10 – 18 years old, starting primary or finishing high school.
What was clear was that the ownership of the media did not change.
Black journalists were still required to look at the country through white colonial and racist eyes. They did not quite have a free voice.
Death, the Thief –
Over the last year, August 2024 – August 2025, we have lost at least four female African media and journalism trail blazers who have died too soon.
They were all highly skilled, talented and passionate.
Worse, they were all under 50 years of age.
These were young beautiful souls who grappled with redefining the identity and meaning of freedom and democracy.
Importantly, they grappled with the question of the soul of this country.
What is to be said or done about land dispossession, economic inequality, racism and lack of solidarity?
Much as some were not house-hold names or widely known, they were relatively remarkable in their work.
The Chosen Four –
° The most recent to succumb to a short illness is the feisty, strong, resilient and clear thinking EWN political editor, Tshidi Lee Madia.
She was a Voice of a Generation. Her utterances were followed by many who were intrigued by her self-expression.
° Just shortly before her, yet another colleague, Nthateng Keogotsise Moloto passed on and was buried this month.
She was a self-effacing young female who worked as a producer on EWN / 702 Radio.
She was a producer with the qualities of clear thinking and strategy to decide on stories to be covered and the angle thereto.
She was a powerhouse behind the scenes.
° In July, we buried Sowetan executive editor, Pearl Didimalo Sebolao whose death was quick and sudden, like a knife in the back.
Pearl was a pioneer and trailblazer who was a shaker and mover in print journalism. She was along the first to ventire into Editing, rising to the highest rank at Business Day.
° Lest we forget, only last August 2024, we lost Thabiso Sekwane, a veteran talk show host and broadcaster.
She was a Braveheart, who grew up from Yfm to join the ranks of media giants. She worked both at SAfm and KayaFM, among others.
These four talented young women left an indelible mark on the media industry, pushing boundaries and shattering ceilings.
1956 Women March –
Their struggle was to implement and operationalize the struggle of 1956 Womens March: you take their rightful place in society, alongside patriarchal men.
What cannot be denied is that their sudden passing is a profound loss, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and passion.
Black African women have to work triple hard to get where these women are.
Sadly, some of their oppressors are black patriarchs.
But they have done the best under the worst circumstances to break barriers
In fact, you may discover that each and everyone of them were pioneers in their families and possibly in history.
Refine the Soul of A Country –
Over the last three decades, they were in the forefront to redefine the soul of this country, presumably, from an authentic African perspective.
Perhaps they were products of Model C schools, if unlucky, and could understand and confront white racism.
You see, this role and responsibility to fight for the African soul of this nation is a harder task to writing and telling socalled anti-Apartheid stories. This is a more complex challenge in that the leaders, including in the media, are part of the Establishment and thus a Problem.
To be a black women who will stay sane is a demanding job. It takes its toll on your mind, body and soul.
Much as their achievements serve as a testament to their perseverance and talent, the system will …er, kill you.
It is a monumental sacrifice for a single black woman and mother to leave children at home to go to work to compete with insecured males.
It is not very different to the plight of a domestic worker or helper … except for the advantages, if any
Love and Legacy
But these beautiful souls loved and loved their work. This was displayed in their embrace of humanity to the people around them and in what they gave to the work they all did.
No doubt, some may have left behind orphans or chosen not to have children. It is rough.
One can only hope and pray that their impact will rub off on those they touched, especially their children.
Remembering Their Contributions
Let’s honor the memory and legacy Tshidi Lee Madia, Nthateng Moloto, Pearl Sebolao and Thabiso Sekwane by being true to Self, first. Who are you and why are you here?
Secondly, as black journalists must tell Truth to Power, without fear or favor.
A journalist must not take sides or belong to factions except to be in the side of a better future for all and telling nothing but the Truth, one that can be substantiated by facts.
We celebrate their accomplishments and the inspiration they provided to others, especially their mentees.
May their legacy continue to inspire, motivate and empower the Old, the Young and Future generations.
