SANEF passes its condolences to the Maromo family on the passing of Jonisayi

12 March 2026

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is saddened by the untimely passing of Jonisayi Maromo, a journalist who worked at Independent Newspapers for several years.

Maromo previously worked for the South African Press Association and the African News Agency. At IOL, Maromo covered beats such as general news, the Presidency, politics, current affairs, and international relations.

Elijah Mhlanga, Gauteng government spokesperson, said: “I am deeply saddened to share the shocking news of the passing of my friend and colleague, Jonisayi Maromo, who died early on Wednesday morning in Mutare Hospital, Zimbabwe, after a period of illness. His wife, Aldrine Maromo, has confirmed. Jonisayi was a dedicated journalist, a thoughtful communicator, and a passionate advocate for the growth and transformation of the media sector in Africa.

“His passing is a profound loss not only to those of us who had the privilege of working closely with him, but also to the broader media and communications fraternity across the continent. As a co-founder of the African Media and Communications Forum (AMC), Jonisayi played an instrumental role in creating a platform that brought together journalists, communicators, policymakers, and scholars to reflect on the role of the media in shaping Africa’s democratic and developmental agenda. Through this work, he championed ethical journalism, meaningful dialogue, and the strengthening of professional networks across borders.”

Türkmen Terzi, a Türkish journalist based in Johannesburg, said: “I have been shaking on hearing of the passing of my dear friend Jonisayi. He was always smiling, kind, and a helpful person. As co-founder of AMC, he added me to the group in 2014. The platform has been beneficial in my journalism journey. Last month, he texted me: “My Turkish friend… Facebook tells me it’s your birthday… Happy birthday, my brother. Don’t you want to celebrate with the group? You know you’re our valued partner. Send me a pic for our group…” He celebrated my birthday by adding my photo to the group icon.

“I will never forget our trips and long chats during media coverages for more than a decade. We were very attached—maybe because both of us made South Africa our home. My sincere condolences to his wife and daughter.”

Lance Wittten, IOL’s editor-in-chief, said: Jonisayi was a resilient, hard-working, diligent, and dogged journalist. Joni’s impact was not only felt through his storytelling, but he also had a profound impact on our newsroom as well – a respectful team player who found joy in uplifting his colleagues, celebrating their successes, while always displaying humility when experiencing his own. Joni had a strong work ethic, and even in recent years in the face of failing health, periods of hospitalisation, and despite the pleas of us as his newsroom leadership and friends to slow down and take it easy, Joni would put his shoulder to the wheel and continue producing stories that mattered, from exposing heartbreaking, cautionary stories of people being scammed of their life savings, to holding government to account, for Joni, the story came first.

“Joni was a fine gentleman – humble, caring, constructive in his criticism, devoted to his principles, and most importantly, vocal about justice. Joni, we salute you. You have left a hole that cannot easily be filled.”

ENDS

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) 223-0621

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