DUT to honour actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones with honorary doctorate iol.co.za - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from iol.co.za Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Ex-Ukhozi FM station manager Welcome Nzimande to be laid to rest today ‘Bhodloza’ as he was popularly known passed away on Friday following COVID-19-related complications. Veteran broadcaster Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande. Picture: Bhodloza Nzimande Foundation
74 days ago
DURBAN - Renowned broadcaster and former Ukhozi FM station manager Welcome Nzimande is to be laid to rest on Wednesday.
‘Bhodloza’, as he was popularly known, passed away on Friday following COVID-19-related complications.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised a state funeral for the late Nzimande following a request by the KZN provincial government.
Nzimande is best known for his broadcasting work at the SABC, where he started his career in 1978 as an announcer for the then Radio Zulu.
He grew the listenership from three million to just under seven million by the time he left in 2010.
Zikalala said Nzimande’s death marked “a major point in the disappearance of a generation of broadcasters who were pioneers of black radio”.
Bhodloza understood the public broadcaster truly for what public broadcasting is meant to be.
KZN premier Sihle Zikalala
“Dr Nzimande will be forever remembered for his pivotal role in bringing peace and tranquility to Hammarsdale when he brought together ANC and IFP leaders in the area.”
Zikalala said Nzimande also played a key role in the once strife-torn area of Richmond, where he helped in the reconciling the IFP and ANC by uniting leaders there.
Renowned broadcaster Welcome Nzimande and transport, community safety and liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli will be honoured with provincial funerals reserved for "distinct people of national significance".