The shocking news was relayed to close friends and colleagues through Cordelia’s inner circle, with her daughter, Shamiso, alerting family members after learning of the discovery. Tributes have since poured in from across Zimbabwe and the region, with many describing the loss as a devastating blow to the arts and media industry.
Cordelia Masalethulini was widely respected for her illustrious broadcasting career that spanned several decades and crossed borders. She rose to prominence in South Africa as a lead news anchor at eNCA, earning recognition for her professionalism, eloquence and commanding on-screen presence. Beyond broadcasting, she was also an accomplished actress and playwright, contributing meaningfully to the creative arts.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, Masalethulini joined ZBC News, where she became a familiar face on both the Main News bulletin and Good Morning Zimbabwe, further cementing her status as one of the country’s most trusted broadcasters.
She later joined digital media platform Eleven Dogs, where she anchored State of the Nation, taking over the role following the death of journalist Zororo Makamba. Her work there was widely praised for its depth, balance and fearless engagement with national issues.
In addition to her on-scree n work, Masalethulini ran her own independent media company, CocoMass Productions, through which she produced documentaries and various television programmes aimed at telling African stories with authenticity and depth.Sad to hear the passing of our dearest Lady Cordelia Masalethulini. We are deeply upset to have heard how you were taken from us. We truly value your contributions to the Matamba vision, your random visits that always lit up the room.
Your openness with your struggles and reality, which educated many women. We truly salute your work ethics and being our badass investigative journo reaching beyond boarders with your sweet prowess and storytelling, and opening up CocoMass Inc. You showed that women could do it and you took your sisters along with you. We love you Lady!!! And we are glad you knew that we loved you!Zimbabwe’s media fraternity is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of veteran broadcaster, actress and filmmaker Cordelia Masalethulini, whose body was discovered in the early hours of Monday morning along the Borrowdale–Helensvale Road in Harare.
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While the full circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, police are reportedly treating the matter as a suspected murder, pending further investigations. Authorities have not yet released an official statement detailing the cause of death, but indications point to possible foul play.She was the younger sister of Brita Masalethulini and is survived by her daughter, Shamiso.
Friends and former colleagues have described Cordelia as passionate, principled and deeply committed to storytelling and public service. One close friend, who studied with her at the University of the Witwatersrand, said the loss was “shattering” and called for swift justice.
“I hope the culprit is caught and brought to justice,” the colleague said.
