Mkhize was an inspirational woman
Businesswoman proved her mettle in media industry
Born: August 30 1977
Died: May 22 Funeral: Tomorrow at the Lutheran Church in KwaNyuswa, KZN, from 9am
Businesswoman and founder and publisher of a bi-monthly community newspaper, EzakwaZulu News,
Masindi Octavia Mkhize, will be buried in KwaNyuswa tomorrow.
Mkhize, who is described as a sociable, adventurous and a principled woman with a big heart by her friends, mentored and taught a lot of journalists in KwaZulu-Natal how to write and other aspects of the profession.
She died in hospital on Friday last week after a short illness.
Mkhize, whose journalism career began in 1999, dedicated her life to the sector and was part of the students’ team that established a community newspaper in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
She established EzakwaZulu in 2010 and it was distributed in the Kwadedangendlale and Outer West communities, west of Durban.
Her passion was to see the growth of community print media, by remaining the best voice and source of communication for the community.
Mkhize’s dedication paid off when she was a finalist in the Cosmopolitan Movers and Shakers contest in 2000.
Her close friend, known only as Boomgal, said Mkhize taught her to be independent and encouraged her to start her own business.
“I still think she will call me and say ‘... friend, I am pulling your leg, I am alive.’ Masindi was more than a friend to me.
“The pain of losing her is unbearable. I have never felt like this with even my own family member passing,” Boomgal said.
“We have been together for 20 years. I still struggle with her being absent in my life. I still WhatsApp and call her, only to be answered by his brother. My life will never be the same.
“They say time heals, so I wish I’m on that stage right now, so that I will be able to get my sleep back.
“Every day and every night it’s still a struggle. I have so many friends just because of her. My heart bleeds.
“I still can’t believe that she is really gone. I have known her for so many years. I first met her when she was an editor of a community newspaper called Kwasa. Not only was she my boss but she became my mentor. As a journalist she taught me a lot about the industry and life in general.
“Her work ethic was amazing. She inspired me in so many levels.
“When she started EzakwaZulu, most of us were over the moon. There were challenges but her undying spirit kept her going. She will be solely missed.”
Mkhize matriculated in 1996 at Khabazela High School in Hillcrest, KwaZuluNatal, and obtained a diploma in journalism from Peninsula Technikon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology) in 1999.
She is survived by her three daughters – Sphume, Thando and Ayanda. Mkhize will be buried tomorrow.
Her work ethic was amazing. She inspired me in so many levels