Political parties unite in paying tribute to Bob Mabena
Political parties from opposite sides of the spectrum have united in paying tribute to broadcasting legend, Bob Mabena.
He passed away in a Centurion hospital on Monday at the age of 51.
Mabena was a veteran radio DJ with a career that spanned 31 years, while he was also a renowned TV star and well known in the music industry.
The African National Congress (ANC) has described Mabena as an accomplished broadcaster who had the ability to ‘tackle various issues of national importance with charm, respect and an all-embracing and inclusive manner.”
ANC National spokesperson, Pule Mabe, says the passing of Mabena is a sad loss to the showbiz industry and the rest of radio loving fans throughout the country and abroad.
"It was this ability to converse with and entertain all types of people that also made Mr Mabena a sought after public speaker and master of ceremonies, jobs he would carry out with flair. He will be sadly missed," says Mabe.
ALSO READ
President Ramaphosa pays tribute to Bob Mabena: "An iconic and household voice has gone quiet"
Mabena passed away in a Centurion hospital on Monday at the age of 51. At the time of his death, Mabena was the co-host of POWER Breakfast alongside Faith Mangope. Ramaphosa has applauded Mabena for the role he played in mentoring and paving the way for many emerging broadcasters to achieve their own success "in a dynamic and competitive entertainment and broadcast industry."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) says Mabena was not only a legend of the airwaves, but he was also a pioneer and role model to many of South Africa’s current biggest and brightest broadcasters.
"For more than three decades, Mabena entertained our nation and was a constant feature of our daily lives through his music and radio shows.
He was a giant in the media industry who has left an indelible mark in music, arts and broadcasting," says the DA's Solly Malatsi.
The Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) says Mabena will be remembered as a cultural icon who paved the way for black voices in radio.
"Mabena represented a voice for black youth and an outlet for young black musical talent at a time when black people in South Africa had little to look up to. His role in radio and music development can never be forgotten," reads a statement by the EFF.
