Reflections on Ms. Masindi Mkhize’s virtual Memorial Service

May 30, 2020

Nontando Mokoena

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, Ms. Masindi Mkhize.

Masindi was loved and respected by many in the sector. Proof of this, were the different Speakers who took to the microphone, sharing their warm memories, in celebration of this giant that has fallen.

Newly-appointed AIP board Chairman, Mr. Wandile Fana, vividly shared how he met Masindi a few years ago, and the first impressions he had of 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, Ms. 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