UWILE UMTHI OMKHULU: ED MANGXABA: A LIFE DEDICATED TO STORYTELLING, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
25 June 2026 | Staff Reporter | Western Cape
Community Journalism Pioneer Leaves Behind a Legacy of Service, Storytelling and Cultural Preservation
By Staff Reporter
MQANDULI, EASTERN CAPE – South Africa’s media fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its most respected indigenous language journalists and community media pioneers, Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba, who passed away after a short illness.
Affectionately known as “Ed” by colleagues, friends and communities across the country, Mangxaba dedicated almost four decades of his life to journalism, broadcasting, publishing, filmmaking and cultural preservation. His passing marks the end of an era for community journalism and isiXhosa-language media.
For many who worked alongside him, Edward Mangxaba was more than a journalist. He was a custodian of culture, a voice for the voiceless, a mentor to young reporters and a tireless advocate for the preservation of indigenous languages and African heritage.
His career began in the early 1980s when he joined the Daily Dispatch as a reporter based in the former Transkei Republic. Through his compelling storytelling and commitment to reporting on community issues, he quickly earned a reputation as a fearless and respected journalist.
He later became one of the pioneering reporters of Imvo Zabantsundu, South Africa’s oldest isiXhosa newspaper, where he continued championing indigenous language journalism and ensuring that ordinary people’s stories found a place in the national conversation.
In a rare achievement, Mangxaba simultaneously built a successful broadcasting career after being recruited by Radio Transkei, where he served as a radio announcer while continuing his work as a senior sports and news writer. His familiar voice reached thousands of listeners across the Eastern Cape, making him one of the region’s most recognisable media personalities.
Champion of Community Media
Edward Mangxaba’s greatest contribution may have been his role in establishing Dizindaba – Iphephandaba lesiXhosa, a community newspaper dedicated to informing, educating and empowering communities in their mother tongue.
As editor and co-founder, he transformed Dizindaba into more than a newspaper. It became a platform where local voices were heard, cultural heritage was celebrated and communities could access information in isiXhosa.
Throughout his career, he consistently advocated for media diversity, language preservation and recognition of indigenous knowledge systems. He engaged government departments, traditional leaders, community organisations and parliamentary structures to ensure that African languages and cultures remained visible in the democratic South Africa.
Preserving History Through Film
Beyond the newsroom and radio studio, Mangxaba was also passionate about documenting African stories through film.
As co-founder of Imiliza Film Productions, he worked to preserve traditional leadership histories, cultural practices and indigenous storytelling. Among his most notable projects was Inkonyana Yohlanga, a television production developed after extensive historical and cultural research in the OR Tambo District.
The project sought to document and celebrate royal heritage while ensuring future generations could access authentic isiXhosa narratives.
A Man of the People
Friends, colleagues and community members describe Mangxaba as a humble man with a deep commitment to serving others.
Every year during Mandela Month, he coordinated food parcel distribution programmes for elderly citizens and children across communities in the Cape Peninsula and Cape Winelands. Working with sponsors, volunteers and the support of his family, he believed media should not only inform society but actively contribute to improving lives.
For many beneficiaries, the sight of his vehicle arriving in their neighbourhood brought excitement and hope.
His commitment to community upliftment reflected the values of former President Nelson Mandela, whom he admired deeply.
Legacy Lives On
Edward Mangxaba leaves behind a rich legacy of journalism, broadcasting, publishing and cultural preservation.
He is survived by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tributes have continued to pour in from journalists, broadcasters, community leaders and ordinary citizens whose lives were touched by his work.
Although his voice has fallen silent, the stories he told, the communities he served and the cultural heritage he fought to preserve will continue to inspire generations.
Indeed, a giant tree has fallen in South Africa’s media landscape.
Funeral Details
The funeral service of Edward Mzwandile Mangxaba will be held on:
Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
Venue: Lower Gqwarha, Mqanduli, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
The Mangxaba family has expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who has offered messages of support, condolences and prayers during this difficult period.
“His voice may be gone, but his legacy will continue to speak for generations.”
