An executive director at the Malawi Institite of Journalism (MIJ), a journalism college which also runs a radio, Nkolokosa died on Monday after a short illness.

Family members said the death was 'sudden'. Nkolokosa was a true and straight working journalist with a reputation deserved over many editors and veteran journalists in the country.

Nkolokosa was one of the longest-serving editors in the Malawi newspaper industry, and once headed the Blantyre Newspapers Limited (BNL). He also worked as editor at the privately owned Nations Publications Limited (NPL) for some time.

He is hailed by many as a dedicated member of the media who ensured fairness, accuracy and excellence at all times.

Nyasa Times said Nkolokosa 'was also known for his creative flair and constant pursuit of the truth through his newspaper column – "All I can say".

During his distinguished media career, Nkolokosa was charged by the Bingu wa Mutharika government with criminal libel for reporting that the once Minister of Health (Dr. Hethewrick Ntaba) was implicated in improper accounting.

He was accused of publishing an article – which was written by Maxwell Ng’ambi – alleging that Ntaba was implicated in an audit report for failing to account for public money. The article was published in the Malawi News edition of 17 – 23 December 2005.

The charges against Nkolokosa were dropped but Ng’ambi was convicted and fined.

The Lilongwe-based Bwaila Media Club (BMC) described Nkolokosa as a shining example in the profession.

"He was bold when waters were rough. He stood for the truth and he has helped a number of upcoming journalists understand the fraternity is not about money - but that it is a calling that requires dedication, commitment, and most of all fairness and creativity," said Programmes Officer Promise Kamanga.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in.

Rex Chikoko of the Daily Times commented: “It’s very shocking news. Unbelievable! May his soul rest in peace.”

Raphael Tenthani posted on the Misa-Malawi discussion forum describing Nkolokosa as “moving encyclopedia and dictionary.”

Tenthani who is a correspondent for BBC, Associated Press and Pan African News Agency said he used to check with Nkolokosa “whenever I was stuck with a word or phrase.”

“This is a national tragedy,” he wrote.

Former state broadcaster MBC deputy director, Eunice Chipangula wrote: “I am very shocked and saddened to learn about the passing on of one of the most distinguished veteran journalists, Jika Nkolokosa. “