The South African media industry is mourning the death of well-known journalist Nabeelah Shaikh.
Shaikh’s death was announced in a Janazah notice issued by the Central Islamic Trust on Saturday, November 14. The cause of death has not been made public.
She was the daughter of Zafarullah and Rashida Bibi Shaikh, wife of Waseem Ally and mother of Maahira Shaikh. She was 34-years-old.
Her passing is a loss to the South African journalism fraternity. Less than two weeks ago, Shaikh announced that she was expecting her second child.
Career
Shaikh was a multi-award-winning journalist known for her tenacity and bravery.
At the time of her death, Shaikh was an investigative reporter at eNCA. Before joining eNCA, Shaikh worked as a senior producer at Seen.tv, Hashtag Our Stories, etv and as a multimedia journalist at Independent Newspapers, under the Sunday Tribune title.
Messages of condolences
IOL CEO, Viasen Soobramoney, shared a message of condolence, fondly remembering the days he worked with Shaikh.
“Nabeelah and I shared a newsroom in KZN. She was a fearless journalist that was committed to her craft. Outside of journalism, she was a wonderful human being who oozed compassion. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and colleagues. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” he said.
“Nabeelah and I were friends for many years. She was a devoted mother, a dedicated journalist and, above all, one of the kindest souls I have ever known. Her warmth, compassion, and gentle nature will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. Rest peacefully, Nabeelah,” shared IOL Content Manager, Jolene Marriah-Maharaj.
Former editor at The Post, Daily News and Sunday Tribune, Aakash Bramdeo, said Shaikh was a part of the team during his tenure as editor of the Sunday Tribune.
“She was passionate about journalism, and we worked on several investigations that culminated in her winning the Editors’ Choice section of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year competition in 2016. More recently, we worked together at eNCA, where she again distinguished herself. Journalism has lost a shining star. My condolences to her husband, daughter, parents and brothers,” Bramdeo said.
“We are deeply saddened and devastated by the passing of our colleague, Nabeelah Shaik.This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.May they find strength and comfort in the days ahead.Nabeelah. You will be missed. May Allah grant you the highest status in Jannah,” said SA anti-crime expert Yusuf Abramjee.
IOL
Source: iol.co.za
