daniel chigunwe
JOHANNESBURG. – Tributes are pouring in for IOL senior multimedia Zimbabwean journalist, Jonisayi Maromo.
Maromo died in Zimbabwe on Wednesday while visiting his ailing mother.
Describing Maromo as a journalist widely respected across the African media landscape for his commitment to ethical journalism and for his contribution to strengthening professional networks within the communications sector, National Press Club Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert said Maromo’s passing is a significant loss to the broader media community.
The Club further stated that as a co-founder of the African Media and Communications Forum, he helped create a platform that brought together journalists, communicators, policymakers and scholars to reflect on the role of the media in shaping Africa’s democratic and developmental agenda.
Slabbert further extended her condolences to Maromo’s family, colleagues and all those who knew him.
“He was admired by colleagues for his infectious personality, relentless curiosity, and his remarkable tenacity in pursuing stories that mattered. His work consistently helped shape the national and continental news agenda.
“On behalf of the entire IOL family, we extend our deepest condolences to his partner Aldrine, his family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Jonisayi’s passing is a tremendous loss to the journalism community, and he will be deeply missed,” he said.
The South African media organisation said:
“Jonisayi was a respected journalist whose career spanned some of South Africa’s most important news institutions.
“Since joining IOL, Jonisayi quickly became an integral part of our newsroom. He was admired by colleagues for his infectious personality, relentless curiosity, and his remarkable tenacity in pursuing stories that mattered. His work consistently helped shape the national and continental news agenda.
“Among his most notable contributions was his widely acclaimed ‘Scammed’ investigative series, which exposed the modus operandi of fraudsters targeting retired public servants through sophisticated love scams.
“The series not only earned him critical recognition but also helped raise awareness about a growing threat to vulnerable members of society.
“Jonisayi reported across a wide spectrum of beats, including the Presidency, politics, and international relations. His ability to break stories and provide insightful reporting made him one of the newsroom’s most valued journalists.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jonisayi will be remembered for the warmth, humour and humanity he brought into the newsroom every day. He was a colleague who lifted the spirits of those around him and a journalist deeply committed to the craft of storytelling and public interest reporting.” – IOL
Online Reporter