THE MDDA PAYS TRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY MEDIA VETERAN EDWARD MZWANDILE MANGXABA OF DIZINDABA NEWS
THE MDDA PAYS TRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY MEDIA VETERAN EDWARD MZWANDILE MANGXABA OF DIZINDABA NEWS
22 June 2026
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The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is deeply saddened by the passing of community media veteran, Mr Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba of Dizindaba News.
Affectionately known as "Ed" by colleagues, friends and communities across South Africa, Mr Mangxaba was a highly respected journalist, broadcaster, editor, publisher, filmmaker, cultural advocate and pioneer of community media. His passing, following a short illness, marks the loss of a towering figure whose contribution to the media and communications industry spanned almost four decades.
Death has robbed the community media sector of a beacon of hope and an unwavering champion of grassroots storytelling. Mr Mangxaba was among the founders of Dizindaba – Iphephandaba lesiXhosa, an MDDA funded project and a community publication dedicated to providing accessible news and information in isiXhosa, while promoting and preserving indigenous languages, culture and heritage.
The MDDA enjoyed a long-standing and fruitful relationship with Mr Mangxaba in his capacity as Editor of Dizindaba News. The publication was among the projects approved during the 2024/25 Call for Grant Funding Applications. Under his stewardship, Dizindaba News became a trusted platform for community voices and a powerful vehicle for advancing indigenous knowledge systems and preserving the richness of the isiXhosa language and culture.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Mangxaba remained steadfast in his commitment to empowering communities through information, nurturing local talent and ensuring that marginalised voices found expression in the media landscape. His work embodied the very ideals of media development and diversity for which the MDDA stands.
His passing is a profound loss, not only to Dizindaba News, but also to the broader community media sector and the nation as a whole. However, his legacy of service, leadership, mentorship and dedication to community journalism will continue to inspire generations of media practitioners and communicators.
The MDDA Board, Management and Staff extend their heartfelt condolences to the Mangxaba family, friends, colleagues, the Dizindaba News team, and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP). We stand with all those whose lives were touched and enriched by Mr Mangxaba's remarkable contribution to journalism and community development.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life dedicated to giving voice to communities and preserving the stories, languages and cultures that define our nation.
We honour his memory and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral service for Mr Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba will take place as follows:
Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
Venue: Mqanduli, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Further details regarding the service will be communicated by the family.
Issued by:
Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA)
Enquiries: Mr Ayabulela Poro. Ayabulela@mdda.org.za, 073 756 8461.
Website: www.mdda.org.za
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