Nabeelah Shaikh Obituary: 34-Year-Old South African Investigative Journalist and eNCA Reporter Dies as Colleagues Pay Tribute
South Africa’s media industry is mourning the death of Nabeelah Shaikh, an award-winning journalist whose work in investigative reporting earned her recognition among colleagues and fellow media professionals. She was 34.
Her death was announced through a Janazah notice issued by the Central Islamic Trust on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Shaikh was working as an investigative reporter at eNCA at the time of her passing. News of her death has prompted tributes from colleagues, former editors and people who worked alongside her throughout her journalism career.
Nabeelah Shaikh’s Death Announced in South Africa
The announcement of Nabeelah Shaikh’s death brought sadness to South Africa’s journalism community.
According to the published report, the Janazah notice was issued by the Central Islamic Trust on November 14. Her family details were also shared in the announcement.
She was the daughter of Zafarullah and Rashida Bibi Shaikh, the wife of Waseem Ally and the mother of Maahira Shaikh.
Shaikh was 34 years old. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been publicly explained, and no confirmed cause has been released.
A Dedicated Journalist and Investigative Reporter
Nabeelah Shaikh built a career across several South African media organisations, developing experience in reporting, television production and investigative journalism.
At the time of her death, she was an investigative reporter at eNCA. Before joining the broadcaster, she worked as a senior producer at Seen.tv, Hashtag Our Stories and e.tv. She also worked as a multimedia journalist for Independent Newspapers, including its Sunday Tribune title.
Her work reflected a commitment to reporting stories that required persistence, careful investigation and attention to detail.
Shaikh was described by colleagues as a journalist who approached her profession with courage and determination. Her contribution to the industry extended across different newsrooms and media formats.
Recognition for Her Investigative Journalism
One of the notable achievements associated with Shaikh’s career was her recognition in the Vodacom Journalist of the Year competition.
Former editor Akash Bramdeo recalled working with her during his time at the Sunday Tribune. He said they collaborated on several investigations, including work that resulted in her receiving the Editors’ Choice award in the 2016 competition.
Bramdeo also remembered working with Shaikh again at eNCA, where he said she continued to distinguish herself through her journalism.
The recognition reflected the value of her investigative work and the professional reputation she built during her career.
Remembering Nabeelah Shaikh as a Mother and Wife
Beyond her professional achievements, Nabeelah Shaikh was a mother, wife and daughter whose loss has deeply affected her family.
According to the published report, she was married to Waseem Ally and was the mother of Maahira Shaikh. She was also expecting her second child, a detail she had reportedly shared publicly less than two weeks before her death.
That news adds another deeply personal dimension to the family’s loss. Her loved ones are now facing the difficult task of grieving someone whose life included both family responsibilities and a demanding career in journalism.
Her colleagues’ tributes have also remembered her for qualities that extended beyond her work, including kindness, compassion and warmth.
Colleagues Pay Tribute to Nabeelah Shaikh
Tributes have come from people who knew Shaikh through their professional and personal relationships with her.
IOL chief executive Viasen Soobramoney recalled sharing a newsroom with her in KwaZulu-Natal. He described her as a fearless journalist committed to her craft and remembered her compassion outside the newsroom.
IOL content manager Jolene Marriah-Maharaj also shared a tribute, remembering Shaikh as a devoted mother, dedicated journalist and kind friend. She expressed sympathy for the family and those closest to her.
Former editor Akash Bramdeo highlighted her investigative achievements and extended his condolences to her husband, daughter, parents and brothers.
Anti-crime expert Yusuf Abramjee also expressed sadness over the death of the eNCA journalist, offering prayers and condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Together, these tributes reflect the professional respect and personal affection she had earned among people who knew and worked with her.
A Loss for the South African Journalism Community
Nabeelah Shaikh’s death represents a loss for the South African media industry, particularly for colleagues who worked with her across newsrooms and investigative projects.
Her career included reporting, multimedia journalism and television production, while her investigative work earned recognition from the journalism community.
She is being remembered not only for the stories she pursued but also for the relationships she built with colleagues and friends.
As her family and loved ones mourn her passing, tributes continue to honour the journalist and the person remembered by those who shared parts of her life.
Nabeelah Shaikh: Personal Details
Detail Information
Full name Nabeelah Shaikh
Age 34
Nationality South African
Profession Journalist and investigative reporter
Employer at the time of her death eNCA
Previous workplaces Seen.tv, Hashtag Our Stories, e.tv and Independent Newspapers
Award recognition Vodacom Journalist of the Year, Editors’ Choice, 2016
Father Zafarullah Shaikh
Mother Rashida Bibi Shaikh
Husband Waseem Ally
Daughter Maahira Shaikh
Date of death announcement November 14, 2026
Cause of death Not publicly disclosed
Rest in Peace, Nabeelah Shaikh
Nabeelah Shaikh leaves behind a professional legacy shaped by investigative reporting, journalism and years of work across South African media organisations.
For her family, the loss is deeply personal. For colleagues and friends, it is the loss of a respected journalist and someone they remember with affection.
Our sincere condolences go to her husband, daughter, parents, brothers, extended family, friends and colleagues.
May they find comfort and strength during this difficult time. May Allah grant Nabeelah Shaikh the highest status in Jannah.
Rest in peace, Nabeelah Shaikh. Your work and the memories you created with those around you will not be forgotten.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the published death announcement and tributes attributed to colleagues. The cause of Nabeelah Shaikh’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Personal and funeral details should be confirmed through the family or the relevant funeral announcement before further publication.
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