SANEF Mourns the Untimely Passing of City Press Journalist, Nompumelelo Magagula
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened by the untimely passing of City Press journalist Nompumelelo Magagula, a committed reporter whose work contributed meaningfully to telling the stories of South Africans.
During her time at City Press, Magagula distinguished herself as a versatile and compassionate storyteller. She reported on a wide range of issues, from entertainment and cultural developments to deeply human stories affecting communities across the country.
Her reporting reflected a journalist who understood the power of storytelling in capturing the spirit of South African life. Through her work, she gave readers insight into the people behind the headlines and ensured that their voices were heard.
Tim Molobi, City Press’ news editor, described her as lively and lovely in the newsroom. “She was a diligent worker and a go-getter of note. The industry has lost a vibrant and excellent journalist who still had a lot to offer.”
Magagula’s journey in journalism began as early as 2011 while she was still in high school. She volunteered as a content producer and presenter at Kangala Community Radio Station in Ekangala, Mpumalanga, where she helped produce and present several programmes. Her early exposure to community broadcasting helped shape her love for the profession and gave her practical experience in the newsroom environment.
She stepped away from the station in 2014 to focus on completing her matric year.
In 2015, Magagula moved to Witbank, where she joined Emalahleni FM. There she worked as a translator, converting news bulletins from English into isiNdebele between January and December of that year. She also served as a newsreader and standby presenter, gaining valuable on-air and newsroom experience.
Magagula continued to pursue her academic and professional development in journalism. In 2018, while studying towards her Diploma in Journalism, she joined Media24’s City Press as a journalism intern.
Among her many contributions were features and reports on South Africa’s cultural and entertainment landscape, including coverage of prominent personalities and events that shape the country’s public life, according to News24.
SANEF believes that journalists like Magagula form the backbone of South Africa’s democratic discourse. Through their work, they inform, educate, and connect society. Her passing, therefore, represents not only a personal loss to those who knew and loved her but also a professional loss to the newsroom community.
Journalists operate under immense pressure to meet deadlines and uncover the truth, and Magagula exemplified the dedication and resilience that define the profession.
SANEF extends its deepest condolences to Magagula’s family, friends, and all journalists who had the privilege of working alongside her.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
For more information, please contact:
Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-062
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Slindile Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138-5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SANEF.org.za
