Johannesburg – The media fraternity in South Africa is reeling in shock at the untimely passing of 34-year-old investigative journalist, Nabeelah Shaik.
Shaik, who was an investigative reporter at eNCA, passed away yesterday, Saturday, 14 November 2026.
Heartbroken colleagues at eNCA revealed that the young mother of a little girl was expecting at the time of her death.
She began her career as a multimedia journalist at Independent Newspapers’ Sunday Tribune in 2013 and was the recipient of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year regional awards.
The African Media and Communications Forum (AMCF) said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague, Nabeelah Shaikh, an eNCA journalist”.
AMCF added: “Nabeelah’s passing is a profound loss to the journalism and media fraternity.
“Her contribution to the profession and the important role played by journalists in informing society will be remembered.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues at eNCA and all those whose lives she touched.
“We recognise that her passing is not only a personal loss to her loved ones but also a loss to the broader media community.
“May her family, friends and colleagues find strength and comfort during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace.”
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said: “The government has learnt with deep sadness of the untimely passing of South African investigative journalist, Nabeelah Shaik”.
GCIS added: “The government extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and the broader media fraternity during this difficult time.”
William Baloyi, deputy government spokesperson, said Shaik’s work and contribution to journalism formed part of the important role the media plays in informing the public and strengthening democracy.
