Mduduzi Dlamini was a man whose presence was both commanding and inspiring, a writer who left an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to know him. I first met Mdu in 1997 at the Joburg City Library, a cultural hub at the time, where he introduced himself not as a journalist, but as a writer—an artist who saw the act of writing as a sacred calling. He once described it as “a war,” a battle for truth and meaning that resonated deeply in every piece of his work.
Our journey together took us from the City Press newsroom at the turn of the millennium, where Mdu’s brilliance shone through during a golden era for black journalism. Amid the fierce competition of talented journalists like Bongani Madondo and Mapula Nkosi, Mdu distinguished himself not only by his intellect and discipline but also by his unwavering commitment to excellence. His versatility as a writer spanned politics, culture, and investigative journalism, but it was his mastery of words and his deep intellectual rigor that set him apart as a writer’s writer. Whether translating French prose into Zulu or dissecting political power, his work reflected a rare blend of artistry and intellect.
Mdu’s relationships were just as complex as his work. A proud Zulu man with a profound love for the English language, he was fiercely loyal to a select few, including lifelong friends like Thokozani Mthiyane and Mapula Nkosi. His devotion to his daughter, Abande, was especially poignant; she was the cornerstone of his life, bringing out his most tender side. Yet, it was his uncompromising honesty that defined him, sometimes to his detriment. His refusal to compromise in a world that often demanded it led to a series of struggles, especially in his later years in the media industry.
Mduduzi Dlamini’s legacy is one of brilliance, authenticity, and sacrifice. While he may have faced challenges in navigating the politics of the newsroom, his contributions to literature and journalism are lasting. His writing continues to inspire those who knew him, pushing us to approach our work and lives with the same passion, integrity, and dedication he embodied every day. Mduduzi’s life story is a reminder that true excellence is not about compromise, but about standing firm in one’s beliefs, regardless of the cost. He was laid to rest on 23 November 2024 at eThembeni Memorial Park in Pietermaritzburg, leaving behind a body of work that will endure for years to come.
