SAULRIDGE Secondary school in Atteridgeville, west of Tshwane, is devastated by the death of radio personality and broadcaster Bob Mabena.
Mabena started his grade 8 at the school in 1981. Teachers said although Bob passed his matric, he never left the school. Former principal Moagi Mangena (64) said Bob would come back to motivate pupils, and would help in many ways at the school.
"He was a community member of the school. He was always accessible and was an inspiration to pupils," he said.
He said Bob stood out from an early age.
"He was very tall, and you would always see him even during play time. I guess he was meant for a public life. He was like a son to me," he said.
ALSO READ | SKEEM SAAM'S BUHLE: I WAS OVERWEIGHT
He said even when Bob became famous, he never forgot where he came from.
"He would dedicate songs to teachers and the school on radio. I personally called him to thank him. He was never ashamed of being from our school," he said.
Another principal, Greg Makoboto (72), said Bob was a very disciplined and a hardworking pupil.
"He was a DJ of disco music while at school, and I was worried it would affect his schooling. But it never affected his school work.
“I don't remember a time where I called him into my office for disciplinary matters or called his parents. He was a good student," he said.
He said his death shocked them.
"I saw him recently at a funeral and he looked healthy. He was only 51 years old. I'm very sad, especially for the school because he had adopted that school," he said.
