The Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) in partnership with the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) hosted a virtual Memorial Service to celebrate the life of its late board member, EzaKwaZulu News Publisher, Masindi Mkhize.
Masindi was loved and respected by many in the sector. Proof of this was when speaker after speaker spoke fondly of her in celebration of her life.
Newly-appointed AIP board Chairman, Wandile Fana, vividly shared how he met Masindi a few years ago and how she was impressed by her. “Her go-getter spirit made it impossible for people not to notice her; she dedicated her all to this trying career – a career that has tested many, but only a few, true activists, survive.”
She had recently been voted Deputy-Chairperson on the AIP Board, and already, Wandile could see her passion for the sector coming through. “Masindi was a very focused woman who had great plans for the organization. She made less noise, but made sure her actions kept her relevant. She always surrounded herself with positive and progressive people. May her name linger on and motivate many people, especially women who are keen to be part of our sector.”
The MDDA also mourned the passing of Masindi, further saying that the Community Print Media sector and the community of KwaNyuswa at large, has lost an icon. Speaking on behalf of the MDDA, the organization’s CEO, Zukiswa Potye said, “The MDDA mourns its third-time beneficiary, who stood for media freedom in the community print media space. Her newspaper was unashamedly 100% IsiZulu, and this was her way of saying, you can be anything you desire to be, and you don’t need to copy the rest. Masindi set her own rules, and this is what motivated her winning seven accolades at the Sanlam Media Awards. The gap she has left will not be easily filled.”
Initially, the KwaZulu-Natal Community Print Media cooperative couldn’t fully-absorb the sad news of Masindi’s passing, and one of its members, Ms. Mbali Dhlomo, shared how distraught they are, more especially since her passing happened just when things were starting to look up for them as a sector. “Masindi fought for what she believed in, and knew exactly what her role was as a Publisher and as a business woman.
“We highly-appreciate the good work done by the MDDA in assisting us in this sector. We urge the organization to continue giving assistance to the hundreds of committed Publishers out there… Ours is to continue providing our communities with relevant information they expect from us as the community print media, so that we can remain standing firm, just like Masindi.”
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the Minister in the Presidency, Lumko Mtimde also sent his warmest condolences to the Mkhize family. “This is a very painful moment for all of us. But as the saying goes, ‘life has a beginning, and an end…’ so did Masindi’s.”
Speaking about Masindi, Mr. Mtimde shared that he saw outstanding leadership qualities in her. “She was very passionate about the sector and its growth. When a delegation from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications went to visit her offices a few years back, everyone was impressed with her quality and style of work. When we speak of Masindi, we speak of an award-winning Publisher of EzaKwaZulu News – therefore, the brand must live on!”
In closing, the Mkhize family thanked the AIP, the MDDA, and everyone who was part of the Memorial Service, especially during this trying time of the COVID-19 lockdown. “Everything that has been said by all the Speakers, is truly a reflection of who and what she was. She laid a strong foundation for her legacy, and we will do our best to keep it alive, and make her proud,” her son, Mr. Fika Mkhize said.
Masindi is survived by her three beautiful daughters (Siphumelele, Thando and Ayanda/Yaya), sisters and a brother.
The COVID-19 pandemic has denied us the opportunity to properly celebrate Masindi’s life and give her the send-off she deserves. To the Mkhize family, please know that we are with you in spirit, and we will continue praying for your strength and comfort.
Masindi leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on, despite her departure.
Masindi was laid to rest on the 30th May 2020.
May your loving soul continue to rest in perfect peace, Khabazela.
Kufa, awunamahloni!
