KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has on behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of the province offered condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of highly respected and loved SABC Ukhozi FM news host and current affairs producer, Bongani Mavuso, who passed away after a short illness today.
“It is with great sadness and sorrow that we have learnt of the untimely passing of one of the brilliant journalists, senior producer, author and poet Bongani Mavuso whom we regarded as one of the brightest lights of our time,” said Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“The sudden death of Bongani Mavuso is shattering because the people of the Province still expected a lot from him. Even though we knew of episodes of ill health that he was going through, however, we nursed the hope that he was going to fully recover from his illness, but God had other plans for his life,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
“He was proud of his culture and heritage and left a legacy that will endure for many generations to come. His was a voice that we all woke up to and also listened to as we journeyed back from various destinations as he was spearheading national discourse on many issues affecting the millions of citizens.”
Apart from hosting the popular current affairs show “Abasiki Bebunda and Ezangempelasonto” on uKhozi FM, the multi-talented Mavuso was also an award-winning author and poet who through his voice and knowledge inspired many young generations and unearthed a lot of talent.
Premier Dube-Ncube said Mavuso was a marvel to listen to and he presented his shows with dedication and determination. “The radio fraternity is poorer at the loss of such a young and talented radio personality”.
“On behalf of the provincial government and all the people of KwaZulu-Natal, we would like to convey our deepest condolences to the Mavuso family, Ukhozi FM staff and listeners for the loss of their loved and favourite show host. KwaZulu-Natal is proud to have been home of this humble and talented radio personality who executed his job with professionalism and dedication. It is painful that we lost Mavuso during Heritage Month as he is someone who treasured the heritage of our people through his writings and radio shows,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
“Bongani Mavuso followed in the footsteps of revered and talented radio personalities who also became renowned authors like Muzi Eric Ngcobo, Morris Vusumuzi Bhengu, VVO Mkhize and many others.
We will remember Bongani Mavuso for his inspirational poems and the impeccable way he handled his radio shows.
“He will live on in our memories through his famous book, The Undying Spirit of a Dead Man. May his soul rest in peace,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
Sithi lala ngoxolo Donga LukaMavuso! Qhawe! uyibekile induku ebandla. You have represented KwaZulu-Natal in the biggest of platforms. Your humility and care for your audiences is something that we will always miss. You were able to understand every listener that called into your shows. You made listening to radio exciting.
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Issued by the Provincial Government Communication
For more information contact: Head Provincial Government Communication Lennox Mabaso on 0828842403 or Gugu Sisilana – Media Liaison on 0828893474