Gone Too Soon Jonisai Maromo Remembered as a brother, Fighter and Fearless Storyteller
Remembered for his discipline, integrity and unwavering dedication, Jonisai Maromo leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire journalists across the continent.
By Thembi Moyo
The South African media industry is mourning the loss of respected journalist Jonisai Maromo, whose passing has left colleagues, readers and the broader public deeply saddened. Known for his sharp reporting, dedication to the truth and calm professionalism, Maromo built a reputation as a journalist who took his role seriously telling stories that mattered and holding those in power accountable.
Described as more than just a journalist, Maromo is being remembered as a brother, mentor and unifying force within the newsroom and beyond. Speaking emotionally, Elijah Mahlangu said the loss remains difficult to process. “He was a lot of things a brother, a colleague, a partner in the forum, and a friend,” Mahlangu said. “We are still processing what has happened. It all happened so fast. People are still asking if it’s true.”
Mahlangu reflected on their long-standing relationship, which began years ago when Maromo created what was then known as the Pretoria Digest a simple WhatsApp group that brought journalists together to share story ideas. What started as a small platform quickly grew into a powerful network connecting journalists and communicators across borders. That initiative would later evolve into the African Media and Communications Forum (AMCF), a body co-founded by Maromo to strengthen collaboration and support within the media industry.
“It became something we had never really had before a space where journalists and communicators could come together,” Mahlangu said. “Even when he chose to stay behind the scenes, he was always there, building and guiding.” Maromo’s belief in the power of media extended beyond reporting. Through the forum, he helped amplify voices and support journalists facing challenges across the continent. “We saw the struggles of journalists everywhere in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria and beyond,” Mahlangu said. “This was never about personal gain. It was about protecting the interests of journalists and making sure their voices are heard.”
In the newsroom, Maromo built a reputation for excellence, discipline and consistency. Having worked for the South African Press Association and the African News Agency, he later joined Independent Online (IOL), where he covered major beats including politics, the Presidency, current affairs and international relations. His editor-in-chief, Lance Witten, paid an emotional tribute, describing Maromo as a rare talent. “In the seven years I worked with him, I received not one complaint about his work not one request for a correction,” Witten said. “He was a journalist who came close to perfection.”
Witten spoke of Maromo’s relentless work ethic and deep commitment to his audience. “We would ask for five stories a day he would deliver eight or ten. We asked him to start at six, he was already working at four in the morning. He would tell me halfway through the month, ‘I’ve already reached my targets’ and still keep going.” Even during periods of illness, Maromo remained dedicated to his craft. “You could see he wasn’t well, but he kept showing up,” Witten said. “We told him to rest, but he would say, ‘My audience needs me. I’m a soldier.’”
Colleagues say that beyond his productivity, it was his humility and support for others that truly set him apart. “He celebrated others, even when they outperformed him. That’s rare in this industry,” Witten added. “He broke the mould.” Maromo was known for telling the stories that mattered from crime and border issues to deeply personal human-interest pieces always with accuracy and care.
His passing has left a deep void in the newsroom and across the broader media community. “Jonisai leaves a hole in our team and in our hearts,” Witten said. “A hole that cannot easily be filled.” As tributes continue to pour in from across the continent, one thing remains clear, Jonisai Maromo was not just a journalist he was a force, a mentor and a voice that helped shape African storytelling.
May his soul rest in peace.
