by Thinus Ferreira
The iconic South African TV and radio presenter Bob Mabena has died after suffering cardiac arrest and struggling to breathe. He was 51.
According to The Daily Sun Bob Mabena died after a short illness and was hospitalised with lung problems with doctors who have been draining water from his lungs.
Bob Mabena, whose 31-year broadcasting career included heading up the SABC's commercial radio station division, was discharged on Sunday but told his wife Eucharist that he was struggling to breathe. He was taken back to hospital but died on his way there.
The South African radio and TV presenter career of Bob Mabena who was born in 1969 in Atteridgeville stretched over decades, and lately the veteran broadcaster was heard on radio as the co-presenter of the breakfast show, Power Breakfast on Power FM 98.7 with Faith Mangope.
Besides being on the Power FM 98.7 airwaves, Bob Mabeba was worked for MSG Afrika as station manager of POWER 98.7, and also served as MSG group head of programming.
"It is with deep grief and pain that we announce that POWER 98.7 Breakfast Host, Bob Mabena passed away this afternoon, Monday 10 August 2020, from cardiac arrest," Power FM 98.7 said in a statement on Monday afternoon.
"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."
Kagiso Media radio boss, Nick Grubb, says "Bob Mabena 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. Rest in peace Bob".
The SABC in a statement on Monday night said "Bob Mabena was a titanic figure in the South African broadcasting industry to which he contributed immensely for over 3 decades".
"His illustrious career in the industry included presenter roles on SABC popular youth programmes, such as Jam Alley, Studio Mix, as well as being one of the most memorable voices on Metro FM."
"His versatile skills and passion for radio broadcasting saw him hold various management positions in the industry. He served as the SABC's head of commercial radio stations from 1 June 2007, a position he held until 17 February 2009."
"As a trailblazer, Bob Mabena played an instrumental role in paving the way from which many current radio and television broadcasters draw inspiration. His legacy will serve as a foundation for consummate broadcasting for years to come."
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement on Monday night said "This is a sad loss not only to Bob Mabena's family and friends but to the broadcasting fraternity and broadcast houses".
"His exceptional talent and voice of reason and insight reached millions of South Africans in their homes, workplaces, and vehicles. It is very sad that such an iconic and household voice has gone silent. May his soul rest in peace."
NathiMthethwa, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Monday night said "Bob Mabena wove a remarkable thread across the tapestry of the South African media landscape. He was a giant who left an indelible mark in music, arts and broadcasting".
The legendary Bob Mabena had an illustrious career on both South African television as the co-host of Studio Mix on SABC1 with Melanie Son (now Bala) which propelled them into iconic 1990 South African TV couple fame, and which followed after he was the presenter of the music magazine show On the Beat and the competition show Surf Pick a Box.
Bob Mabeba was also the presenter of Pick a Tune on television and later the presenter of Africa Talks on MultiChoice's Africa to Africa TV channel.
In 2010 he became the presenter of e.tv's music magazine show Unplugged Joy of Jazz. He was the presenter of the reality series You're Hired!.
Bob Mabena also appeared in a Castle Lager TV commercial as a soccer player - "the only TV advert I ever shot" he said.
"I was just an extra, but the main actor was discovered to have been in a competitor's advert not too long before that shoot. They reauditioned and I got the part and the cheque," Bob Mabena said.
In radio, Bob Mabena started his radio career at Radio Bob in 1989 in the then Republic of Bophuthatswana when he was just 19 years old.
After 3 years at Radio Bop he went on to work at multiple other radio stations, including the South African public broadcaster, as well as commercial radio stations ranging from Metro FM, Kaya FM to Highveld Stereo.
Bob Mabena was also a singer and released multiple albums, one of which he won a Sama award for in 1997. In the 1990s he recorded the song Get Funky with the Kaizer Chiefs soccer player Doctor Khumalo.
In July 2020 Bob Mabena released a new album, "Jammers House Volume 1".
Rob Cowling, Gallo Record Company’s managing director, in a statement says "We are shocked and devastated by the news and were just about to embark on launching his new Jammer House collection together. We extend condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones left behind."
Bob Mabena revealed that his grandmother died in June from the Covid-19 coronavirus. Bob Mabena was raised by his maternal grandmother from the age of 11 after the death of his mother.
