Tributes are pouring in for award-winning South African journalist and eNCA investigative reporter Nabeelah Shaikh, 34, who was laid to rest on Saturday along with her unborn child. Shaikh was seven months pregnant with her second daughter at the time of her death. The cause of death has not been made public. She is survived by her husband, Waseem Ally, and their three-year-old daughter, Maahira.
eNCA head of news Lukhanyo Calata paid tribute to Shaikh, describing her as a meticulous journalist whose dedication to her work and the people around her would be remembered. Calata said her death was a devastating loss for her family, the eNCA newsroom, and the broader media industry. He noted that Shaikh was a young and beautiful journalist with a bright future ahead of her.
Shaikh began her journalism career at Independent Newspapers, where she worked as a multimedia journalist under the Sunday Tribune title. Before joining eNCA as an investigative reporter, she worked as a senior producer at Seen.tv, Hashtag Our Stories, and e.tv. Her colleagues and fellow journalists have shared emotional tributes, remembering her not only for her contribution to journalism but also for her kindness and willingness to support others.
Journalist Nokwazi Qumbisa recalled how Shaikh helped her settle in when she moved from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal. Qumbisa said Shaikh was selfless and always made time for others despite her busy work schedule. Investigative journalist Pule Letshwiti-Jones, who worked alongside Shaikh in eNCA’s investigative unit, said her death had left colleagues devastated.
Letshwiti-Jones noted that Shaikh was optimistic about their plans for the investigative unit and had contributed significantly to their team’s success. He added that her family knew her as a dedicated provider and a unifying force. eNCA journalist Naomi Kobbie described Shaikh as someone whose talent was matched by her generosity and kindness.
Kobbie recalled how Shaikh was always willing to offer advice and encouragement to colleagues and made their shared newsroom space a special place. SABC journalist Heidi Giokos expressed heartbreak, saying Shaikh and her unborn child had been taken too soon. Giokos prayed that Allah would grant Shaikh the highest rank in Jannah.
Former Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba also paid tribute to Shaikh, remembering her as a fearless reporter who ensured residents’ voices were heard. Mashaba said her passing was an immeasurable loss to the media industry, which had been robbed of a promising young talent.
Key points
- Nabeelah Shaikh was 34 years old and seven months pregnant with her second daughter at the time of her death.
- Shaikh's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fellow journalists.
- Her family, including her husband and three-year-old daughter, survive her.
