THE Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) expresses its deepest sorrow and profound sadness over the untimely passing of veteran journalist and committed Council member, Mr. Jeffery Elapa.
Jeffery Elapa passed away on Saturday, October 31st, 2026, at the Port Moresby General Hospital following a short illness. At the time of his passing, he was a senior member of the editorial team at the South Pacific Post, publisher of the Post-Courier.
Jeffery was a pillar of strength, solidarity, and integrity within the Papua New Guinea media landscape. He was a deeply committed and supportive member of the Media Council’s work.
Notably, when the draft National Media Policy was first introduced, Jeffery was among the most vocal leaders to stand up, providing unwavering backing to the MCPNG to defend the independence of the press.
His distinguished career spanned across the country’s major newsrooms.
He served the Post-Courier from 2015 to 2018, and returned in 2020 to serve until his passing.
He also contributed his immense talent to The National newspaper between 2018 and 2020.
Jeffrey’s passing is a huge loss to the media industry in Papua New Guinea. His vast wealth of knowledge on complex national issues is irreplaceable. He was widely regarded as one of the best on Parliamentary coverage, a beat he mastered and executed with precision.
Beyond his professional excellence, Jeffery was a generous mentor. He was someone whom colleagues – especially young journalists – looked up to. Regardless of media house boundaries, Jeffery always readily assisted anyone who approached him with invaluable guidance and a word of advice.
The Media Council of PNG extends its heartfelt condolences to his colleagues at the Post-Courier, his professional peers across the country, his relatives, and his tribesmen.
Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family. We offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Judith, and his beloved children: Freddy, Sala, Jackson, Sharleen, Charles, Charlton, Constantine, and Sauna. We share in your profound loss and grief.
We pray or the Almighty’s blessings and com orting hands to uphold the Elapa amily, riends, and colleagues during this painful time of mourning.
May his beautiful soul Rest in Eternal Peace. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —