Cordelia Masalethulini PIC Eleven Dogs Inc hakustream
The Zimbabwe media sector has been rocked by the death of broadcaster, writer and actress Cordelia Masalethulini.
She was reportedly found deceased in the last few days. Her death is under unclear circumstances, although some sources say there may have been foul play.
There has been an outpouring of grief in the media sector.
Veteran broadcaster and MC Zandile Ndlovu said:
I am beyond the word shattered. 2026 was not supposed to start like this. Death once again you have robbed us of one of the best broadcasters and talents. Waking up this morning I kept hearing a story circulating about a woman found murdered in Borrowdale. Only for one of our closest friends to call to inform me that it’s our girl Cordelia Masalethulini. It made no sense to me until I spoke to Brita and she says your friend is gone. And so brutally taken from us.
Producer Henry Hakulandaba, who worked with her at Eleven Dogs Inc. said:
In our last conversation about 2026, she spoke passionately about her hopes to comeback on screen , prayers for her daughter, Emma, and her love for her sisters, and how she secretly calls Brita Masale “Mama” since she takes care of them after the passing of their mother , She reflected on her journey with honesty and wisdom, the regrets and why no one should walk on that path. She wished to pave a better path for the next generation. To Emma , her siblings, and the entire Masalethulini family: Cordilia was a gem. We pray for strength for you all.
Trust Sayi added his own tribute
Cordelia Masalethulini was more than a colleague — she was a friend, a collaborator, a partner. From the first day we met on our film set in 2021, she carried nothing but pure love for the screen. She never complained about the long, cold days or the endless takes. Instead, she pushed all of us — gently but firmly — to put in our best, to get it right, to tell the story.
Not too long ago, I stood with her as she mourned the passing of her mother. Today, my heart is heavy again. We had plans. So many plans. Just a few weeks ago, we spoke on the phone for nearly two hours. She would often call and say, “Trust, I couldn’t sleep. I have this crazy idea for a story — I think we can pull it off.” Acting wasn’t something she wanted to do occasionally. She wanted to live it every single day.
Photographer and podcast host Alexander ‘Zezuru Rockstar’ Gusha said:
I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of Cordelia Masalethulini I am still struggling to find the right words, because her loss feels heavy in a way that is hard to explain. I had the honor of working with her at Eleven Dogs and that experience stays with me not just because of her talent, but because of who she was as a person. Cordillia was exceptional at what she did, effortlessly creative, sharp, and deeply committed to her craft. But beyond the work, she was a complex, layered soul thoughtful, intense, warm in her own quiet way, and unmistakably real.
There are people you meet who leave a mark without trying, and Cordillia was one of them. She carried depth, brilliance, and vulnerability all at once, and that is rare. I am grateful for the moments we shared, for the chance to witness her talent up close, and for the energy she brought into every space she occupied. My heart aches knowing she is no longer here, but I will always carry respect, admiration, and gratitude for her life and her light. Rest gently, Cordillia. You will not be forgotten.
Sizwa Mukwedeni of Matamba Film Labs said:
Oh dearest Cordelia Bopape our hearts are deeply sad. Lady Cordelia as you said we should now call you our hearts are with you wherever you go. We will never forget your love. May your soul find rest now.
Cordelia’s career was storied and inspiring.
She was a crossover international news anchor at eNCANews when it started. She then had a career at ZiFM Stereo, before moving to ZBC where she hosted the Main News and Good Morning Zimbabwe.
Cordelia then joined Eleven Dogs Inc where she hosted State of the Nation.
Add to that her work in the arts, documentaries and also dabbling in acting.
As Ndlovu added:
May the culprit who did this find no peace and be tormented and be brought to justice. I am so hurt and angry. This is not right.
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