The passing of Aserie Ndlovu has robbed South Africa of an icon who still had much to offer and contribute, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said on Saturday.
“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.
“We are confident that our criminal justice system will ensure that those who are responsible for their killing get harshest punishment as possible,” said the Deputy Minister.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at the funeral service of the journalist and founder of Capital Live FM, in Mahlabathini, Mpumalanga.
Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli went missing in February this year with police having discovered two lifeless bodies believed to be that of the couple in May.
Law enforcement authorities had been investigating the couple’s disappearance.
The Deputy Minister had previously visited the family as investigations into the couple’s disappearance continued.
READ | Deputy Minister to visit family of missing journalist
“Government calls on all South Africans to join us as we pay tribute to a life well lived. 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 attending the service.
READ | Government sends condolences to Ndlovu and Mdhluli families
He added that Ndlovu made significant contributions to democracy by informing and educating the public through his work.
“Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu has a long-standing good working relationship with [the] GCIS [Government Communication and Information System] and the entire government communications system.
“He collaborated with GCIS and government at large, through a range of activities in his profession as a community media practitioner, ranging from covering government activities such as media briefings, national days, and other key government initiatives.”
Deputy Minister Morolong said the late journalist was passionate about developing future journalists and media entrepreneurs in the local media sphere.
“Mr Ndlovu also used to play a part in using his station working with government to connect other community radio stations in transmitting government messages through various programmes.
“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,” he explained.
Ndlovu was also described as someone who understood “through his work that information is power and that an informed citizenry is the bedrock of democracy.”
“Aserie, understood that journalism is a bridge between government and citizens,” said the Deputy Minister in his tribute adding that the community journalist also held those in power in the local municipality to account.
“In the age of misinformation and disinformation, community journalists can be guardians of truth and trust using local verified sources. In moments of crisis and disaster, community media practitioners become part of the first responders; providing life -saving local information,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the void created by the sudden and tragic death of Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, is still hard to grasp.
Earlier this week, a memorial service was held at the GCIS to pay tribute to Ndlovu and Mdhluli.
Mdhluli was laid to rest on Friday, 20 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
