It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of IOL reporter Jonisayi Maromo, who died in Zimbabwe on Wednesday while visiting his ailing mother. Jonisayi was a respected journalist whose career spanned some of South Africa’s most important news institutions, including the South African Press Association and the African News Agency.
Before joining the IOL newsroom, Jonisayi worked at the South African Press Association (SAPA) and later at the African News Agency (ANA), where he distinguished himself as a diligent and fearless reporter. Since joining IOL, Jonisayi quickly became an integral part of our newsroom, admired by colleagues for his infectious personality, relentless curiosity, and his remarkable tenacity in pursuing stories that mattered.
Notable Contributions
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, providing insightful reporting that made him one of the newsroom’s most valued journalists.
Legacy and Impact
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. His ability to break stories and provide insightful reporting made him a respected figure in the journalism community.
Some of his key achievements include:
- Exposing fraudsters targeting retired public servants through love scams
- Providing insightful reporting on the Presidency, politics, and international relations
- Raising awareness about growing threats to vulnerable members of society
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. Jonisayi’s passing is a tremendous loss to the journalism community, and he will be deeply missed.
