Aserie Ndlovu
By Lerato Mpembe
South Africa is in mourning following the tragic death of journalist Aserie Ndlovu, whose funeral was held in Mahlabathini, Mpumalanga, on Saturday. Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, paid tribute to Ndlovu, describing him as an icon who still had much to offer the nation. The brutal killing of Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, has left the country reeling, with the journalism community and government officials uniting to honour his legacy. As the nation grieves, there is a growing call for justice and stronger protections for journalists who risk their lives to inform the public.
A Tragic End to a Promising Life
Aserie Ndlovu, a 38-year-old journalist and founder of Capital Live FM in Mamelodi, Pretoria, was laid to rest on June 21, 2025—coincidentally, the day that would have marked his 39th birthday. His partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, was buried the previous day, June 20, 2025, in a separate ceremony. The couple’s tragic story began in February 2025 when they vanished from their home in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. After months of uncertainty, police discovered two decomposed bodies in a veld in Limpopo in May 2025. DNA tests confirmed their identities, revealing a grim tale of abduction, robbery, and murder.
Authorities believe Ndlovu and Mdhluli were taken from their residence, robbed of their belongings, and killed. Seven suspects have been arrested and are facing charges of kidnapping and murder. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has vowed that the investigation will leave no stone unturned, assuring South Africans that those responsible will face justice. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in this heinous crime are brought to justice,” Masemola stated.
Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong, speaking at Ndlovu’s funeral, expressed the nation’s outrage and sorrow. “The passing of Mr Ndlovu has robbed our nation of an icon, who still had so much to offer and contribute. Primarily, as government, we are saddened not only by his passing, but also the way he was brutally killed,” he said. Morolong added, “We are confident that our criminal justice system will ensure that those who are responsible for their killing get harshest punishment as possible.”
A Champion of Community Journalism
Aserie Ndlovu was a towering figure in South African media, particularly in the realm of community journalism. As the founder of Capital Live FM, he built a platform that amplified local voices and connected communities in Mamelodi and beyond. His career was marked by a deep commitment to informing and educating the public, often working hand-in-hand with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). Ndlovu covered government events, including media briefings, national days, and key initiatives, ensuring that vital information reached grassroots audiences.
Morolong praised Ndlovu’s role in strengthening democracy. “Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu has a long-standing good working relationship with [the] GCIS and the entire government communications system,” he said. Ndlovu’s radio station also served as a hub, linking other community stations to broadcast government messages, from public service announcements to emergency updates. His passion for nurturing young journalists and media entrepreneurs made him a mentor to many, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
“Aserie understood that journalism is a bridge between government and citizens,” Morolong noted. Ndlovu’s work went beyond reporting news—he held local authorities accountable, exposing corruption and advocating for transparency in the municipality. In an age of misinformation, he stood as a guardian of truth, relying on verified local sources to deliver accurate, life-saving information during crises.
A Devastating Loss to the Journalism Community
Ndlovu’s brutal death has sparked widespread grief and anger among journalists across South Africa. His fearless reporting and dedication to community media earned him respect, but also made him a target. Colleagues have described him as a principled journalist who never backed down from challenging power, even in the face of personal risk. His killing has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists, particularly those in community media who often lack the resources and protections of larger outlets.
At a memorial service held at the GCIS earlier in the week, tributes poured in from across the media landscape. Friends, fellow journalists, and government officials gathered to celebrate Ndlovu’s life and mourn his loss alongside Mdhluli. The event underscored his influence, with many recalling his warmth, professionalism, and unwavering ethics. Industry leaders have called his death a “tragic blow” to South African journalism, urging authorities to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The journalism community has also used this moment to push for change. Advocacy groups are demanding better security measures, training, and funding to protect media workers, especially in rural and underserved areas where risks are higher. Ndlovu’s legacy, they say, must inspire action to ensure that no other journalist suffers a similar fate.
Honouring Zodwa Mdhluli
While much of the focus has been on Ndlovu’s contributions to journalism, Zodwa Mdhluli’s life and loss are equally significant. Described by loved ones as a kind and supportive partner, Mdhluli stood by Ndlovu through his career, sharing in his vision for a better-informed community. Her funeral on June 20, 2025, was a sombre affair, attended by family and friends who remembered her as a pillar of strength.
Morolong extended condolences to both families, acknowledging their shared pain. “In this time of great sadness, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with both families who lost their loved ones. We thank the family for opening your doors for us to engage and offer support from the time both Ndlovu and his partner were reported missing up until we learned about their tragic death,” he told mourners. The government’s support, including Morolong’s earlier visit during the search, reflects the national significance of this double tragedy.
Government’s Commitment to Justice
The South African government has taken a firm stance against the killings, with officials at all levels condemning the crime. Morolong’s presence at the funeral, coupled with his earlier engagement with the family, signals a personal investment in the case. “Government calls on all South Africans to join us as we pay tribute to a life well lived,” he said, inviting the public to honour Ndlovu’s memory.
The police investigation, now in its advanced stages, has already yielded arrests, but the full story of the couple’s murder remains under wraps as evidence is gathered. The seven suspects in custody face a long legal road ahead, with the public and media watching closely. Morolong’s assurance of the “harshest punishment” reflects a broader determination to deter such violence and uphold the rule of law.
A Legacy That Endures
Aserie Ndlovu’s death leaves a void that will be felt for years, but his legacy endures through the journalists he trained, the stories he told, and the communities he served. “As government, particularly the government communications sector, we feel robbed of one of our own from the Fourth Estate, which is a pillar of our democracy tasked with speaking truth to power,” Morolong said. Ndlovu’s belief that “information is power and that an informed citizenry is the bedrock of democracy” continues to resonate.
His work at Capital Live FM and beyond showed how community media can transform lives—whether by exposing wrongdoing, sharing critical updates, or simply giving a voice to the voiceless. As South Africa reflects on his contributions, there is a collective resolve to protect and promote the values he stood for.
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