Veteran radio star Bob Mabena dies

Mabena’s death was confirmed by his employer POWER 89.7 on Monday. 

“It is with deep grief and pain that we announce that POWER 98.7 Breakfast Host, Mr Bob Mabena passed away this afternoon, Monday 10 August 2020, from cardiac arrest,” the station’s management said in a statement.

“The family is coming to terms with his passing and respectfully requests the public to afford them the appropriate space.

“Further details will be communicated in due course.”

At the time of his death Mabena was the co-host of POWER Breakfast alongside Faith Mangope.

Mabena was reportedly discharged from hospital on Sunday, but was back in hospital soon thereafter as he struggled to breathe.

Born West of Pretoria in 1969, Mabena started his radio career in 1989 in the then Republic of Bophuthatswana with the now defunct Radio Bop.

He went on to work at institutions like Metro FM, Heart FM, 947 and SABC.

Chief Executive of Radio at Kagiso Media Nick Grubb has paid tribute to Mabena.

“Bob made an impact wherever he worked - whether it was radio, the music industry, or his time as a club dj. 

“His influence and legacy was significant and we are all better for having heard him, worked with him, or known him and his energetic and positive approach to life. RIP Bob.”