Maromo, an experienced reporter and passionate advocate for journalism on the continent, died while visiting Zimbabwe. The passing was confirmed by the wife.
Media Fraternity Mourns Journalist Jonisayi Maromo
JOHANNESBURG – A wave of grief has swept through the media community in Southern Africa following the death of respected journalist Jonisayi Maromo, who passed away early on Wednesday at Mutare General Hospital in Zimbabwe after a short illness.
Maromo, an experienced reporter and passionate advocate for journalism on the continent, died while visiting Zimbabwe. His wife, Aldrine Maromo, confirmed his passing.
The news has left colleagues, friends and members of the wider media fraternity mourning a journalist widely admired for his dedication to storytelling, his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to strengthening African journalism.
In a statement issued on behalf of the African Media and Communications Forum, communications specialist Elijah Mhlanga described Maromo as a colleague, collaborator and close friend whose influence extended far beyond the newsroom.
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“I am deeply saddened to share the shocking news of the passing of my friend and colleague, Jonisayi Maromo,” Mhlanga said.
“Jonisayi was a dedicated journalist, a thoughtful communicator, and a passionate advocate for the growth and transformation of the media sector in Africa.”
Maromo played an important role in shaping conversations around journalism and media development on the continent. As a co-founder of the African Media and Communications Forum, he helped create a platform where journalists, communicators, policymakers and academics could engage on the evolving role of the media in Africa’s democratic and developmental journey.
Through the forum, he championed ethical journalism, cross-border collaboration and professional dialogue among media practitioners.
Those who worked with him say he believed strongly in the power of journalism to inform the public, empower communities and strengthen democratic institutions.
“He believed deeply in telling African stories with honesty and depth,” Mhlanga said. “His voice, insights and mentorship will be sorely missed by many in the profession.”
A respected newsroom voice
Maromo built a distinguished career across some of South Africa’s most prominent news organisations.
Before joining Independent Online (IOL), he worked for the now-defunct South African Press Association and later the African News Agency, where he developed a reputation as a diligent and fearless reporter.
Over the years, he reported on some of the country’s most important political and national stories, covering beats that included the Presidency, politics and international relations.
His reporting style combined persistence with clarity, enabling him to break important stories while offering readers context and insight.
At IOL, where he became an integral part of the newsroom, colleagues remember him as a journalist who brought energy, humour and determination to the craft.
Among his most widely recognised contributions was the investigative series Scammed, which exposed how fraudsters targeted retired public servants through elaborate romance scams.
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The series shed light on the growing threat posed by organised online fraud networks and helped raise public awareness about how vulnerable individuals were being manipulated and financially exploited.
Editors and colleagues said the investigation demonstrated Maromo’s commitment to public interest journalism and his ability to pursue complex stories with determination.
“Jonisayi quickly became an integral part of our newsroom,” said Viasen Soobramoney, chief executive of IOL.
“He was admired by colleagues for his infectious personality, relentless curiosity, and remarkable tenacity in pursuing stories that mattered.”
Building a community of journalists
Beyond his newsroom work, Maromo also dedicated significant time to strengthening networks among journalists, particularly those working across borders.
In 2014, he founded the Zim Journalists SA group, a platform designed to connect Zimbabwean journalists living and working in South Africa and elsewhere.
The group grew into an important community space where journalists could share opportunities, exchange ideas and support one another professionally.
In a statement announcing his death, the organisation described him as the “glue” that held the community together.
“Maromo was instrumental not only in founding the group but also in nurturing and sustaining it over the years,” the statement said.
“His commitment, leadership and dedication helped build a strong network of Zimbabwean journalists in South Africa and beyond.”
Colleagues say his easygoing personality and willingness to support others made him a natural connector within the profession.
He was known for mentoring younger journalists and encouraging collaboration among peers in an industry often marked by intense competition.
Remembered for warmth and humanity
Those who knew Maromo say his legacy extends beyond his reporting and professional achievements.
Friends and colleagues consistently describe him as warm, thoughtful and deeply committed to the craft of journalism.
In the newsroom, he was known for lifting the spirits of those around him, often bringing humour and encouragement during the pressures of daily news cycles.
“On a personal level, I have lost not only a colleague but a dear friend,” Mhlanga said. “His counsel, warmth and camaraderie enriched many moments of my professional journey.”
For many in the profession, Maromo represented a generation of African journalists committed to telling the continent’s stories with nuance and integrity.
His work reflected a belief that journalism could serve as both a watchdog and a bridge, connecting communities and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Funeral arrangements underway
According to colleagues in Zimbabwe, Maromo’s body is currently at Mutare General Hospital.
Funeral service provider Doves Funeral Services is expected to collect the body as preparations for burial begin.
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Family members are awaiting the arrival of one of Maromo’s children from South Africa, who is expected to bring personal belongings needed for the funeral.
There are indications that the body may leave Mutare on Friday for Guruve, where further funeral arrangements are likely to take place.
More details are expected to be shared with the public once the family finalises the arrangements.
A loss for African journalism
Maromo’s passing has left many in the media industry reflecting on the impact he made during his career.
From investigative reporting to institution building and mentorship, his work touched multiple aspects of the journalism profession.
For colleagues across Zimbabwe, South Africa and the wider African continent, his death marks the loss of a journalist who believed deeply in the power of the media to serve society.
Condolences have continued to pour in from journalists, editors and media organisations who worked alongside him over the years.
As tributes continue, many in the profession say Maromo’s commitment to ethical journalism and African storytelling will remain part of the legacy he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife Aldrine, his children and a wide community of colleagues and friends who now mourn the passing of a journalist whose voice helped shape conversations across the continent.
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