Media veteran Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba passes away

Statement from the Mangxaba family.

It is with profound sadness that the Mangxaba family announces the passing of Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba, affectionately known as “Ed” by colleagues, friends, and communities across South Africa. A respected journalist, broadcaster, editor, publisher, filmmaker, cultural advocate, and community media pioneer, Edward Mangxaba passed away after a short illness, leaving behind a remarkable legacy spanning almost four decades in the media and communications industry.

His passing marks the end of an era for community journalism and indigenous language media in South Africa. A giant tree has fallen in the media fraternity, and his contribution to preserving isiXhosa language, culture, and storytelling will be remembered for generations to come.

Edward Mangxaba began his journalism career in the early 1980s as a reporter for the Daily Dispatch, based in the former Transkei Republic at the newspaper’s Umtata office. Through his commitment to telling community stories and reporting on issues affecting ordinary people, he quickly established himself as a respected journalist.

He later became one of the pioneering reporters for the renowned isiXhosa newspaper, Imvo Zabantsundu, further cementing his reputation as a champion of indigenous language journalism.

During his tenure at the Daily Dispatch, he was also recruited by the Transkei Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Transkei) as a radio announcer. Radio Transkei, a predominantly isiXhosa radio station serving the entire Transkei region, provided him with a platform to connect with listeners through news, current affairs, and community programming.

In a rare and remarkable achievement, Edward Mangxaba simultaneously served as a senior sports and news writer for one of the region’s largest newspapers while also becoming a senior radio announcer at its leading radio station. His voice and reporting became familiar to thousands across the Eastern Cape and beyond.

Champion of indigenous language media

Edward Mangxaba was among the founders of Dizindaba – Iphephandaba lesiXhosa, a community newspaper dedicated to providing accessible news and information in isiXhosa. As editor, he was responsible for the publication’s content, editorial direction, and distribution.

Under his leadership, Dizindaba became more than a newspaper. It became a platform for community voices, a champion of indigenous knowledge systems, and a vehicle for preserving and promoting the isiXhosa language and culture.

His commitment to community media extended beyond publishing. He actively engaged with government institutions, parliamentary committees, traditional leaders, and community organisations to advocate for media diversity, language preservation, and the recognition of AbaThembu history and heritage.

Preserving culture through film and storytelling

Beyond journalism and broadcasting, Edward Mangxaba co-founded Imiliza Film Productions in the OR Tambo District. Through film and documentary projects, he sought to preserve indigenous cultures, traditional leadership structures, and authentic African storytelling.

Among his most notable projects is Inkonyana Yohlanga, a television production in development following extensive historical and cultural research in the OR Tambo District. The project aimed to celebrate local heritage, document royal history, and preserve authentic isiXhosa narratives for future generations.

A heart for community service

While his professional achievements were significant, those who knew Edward Mangxaba will remember him most for his generosity and commitment to serving communities.

Every year, Mandela Day held special meaning for him. Through partnerships with sponsors and with the unwavering support of his wife, family, and the Dizindaba team, he coordinated the distribution of food parcels to elderly citizens and children across the Cape Peninsula and Cape Winelands.

For many beneficiaries, the arrival of Edward Mangxaba was met with joyful cries of “Ah Dizindaba!” as communities welcomed a man whose mission extended far beyond news reporting. Inspired by the values of the late President Nelson Mandela, he believed that media should not only inform but also uplift, empower, and serve.

A lasting legacy

Edward Mangxaba devoted his life to empowering communities, mentoring aspiring journalists, preserving indigenous languages, and ensuring that local stories received the recognition they deserved.

His legacy lives on through the countless journalists he inspired, the communities he served, the stories he told, and the cultural heritage he worked tirelessly to preserve.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will cherish his memory and continue to honour the values he embodied.

The media industry has lost a true gem, but his voice, vision, and impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Funeral arrangements

The funeral service for Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba will take place on:

Date: 27 June 2026
Venue: Mqanduli, Mthatha, Eastern Cape

Further details regarding the service will be communicated by the family.

The Mangxaba family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered messages of support, condolences, and prayers during this difficult time.

Ends

Media Enquiries:
Family Representative
071 212 3675