Pretoria — Family, colleagues, and friends gathered at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) auditorium in Hatfield on Monday to pay tribute to veteran journalist Jonisayi “Warchild” Maromo.
The respected journalist succumbed to illness last week on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, while visiting his mother in Zimbabwe.
Maromo, 41, was remembered as a fearless reporter and dedicated professional whose career spanned the South African Press Association, African News Agency, and IOL.
His wife, Aldrine, and daughter, Michelle, delivered emotional tributes, while industry leaders, including African Media and Communicators Forum co-founder Elijah Mhlanga and Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi, praised his integrity, warmth, and commitment to ethical journalism.
Michelle, who turned 18 two weeks ago, recalled that “on my birthday, my dad woke up at midnight and sang happy birthday for me… I could see he was not well”.
She recalled the morning he passed away and the realisation that, as an only child, it was now “me and my mother” left to face the world.
The grieving teenager made a solemn vow to take care of her widowed mom.
“Jonisayi was a cherished colleague, a loyal friend, and a dedicated professional whose contribution to our work and to the lives of many will never be forgotten,” Mhlanga said of his African Media and Communicators Forum co-founder.
“His warmth, commitment, and passion will remain a lasting inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Baloyi described Maromo as a dedicated and ethical journalist who went beyond the call of duty.
Zimbabwean journalist Tony Tendai said Maromo’s passing was deeply shocking.
He remembered his countryman as a leader committed to making a meaningful change.
Maromo was laid to rest in Zimbabwe on Friday, 13 March 2026.
His colleagues described him as a sharp political and crime reporter whose work left a lasting impact on South Africa’s media fraternity.
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