PATRICK BOGATSU, the former station manager of the Mbombela-based commercial radio station Rise FM, has died.
According to his family, he took his last breath at his home in Tsakane, Brakpan in Ekurhuleni, on Sunday, 7 April at about 4pm. He was 69 years old.
His elder son, Boyikanyo Bogatsu, confirmed that his dad died from kidney failure at home, and he would have turned 70 years old on 30 April.
"My dad was a diabetic person. But he told my sister before giving his last breath at home that he had kidney failure. He was a visionary man and founder of a newly registered Radio Strategic Solutions company," he said.
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Daily Sun also spoke to Rise FM's current station manager, Lance Claasen, who said the entire station was mourning the passing of Bogatsu.
"It's with heavy hearts that we at Rise FM announce the passing of our former station manager, Mr Patrick Bogatsu. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr Mogatsu's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn the loss of their beloved patriarch," he said.
Claasen said during his time with Rise FM, Bogatsu brought a unique vision and drive to the company.
"His leadership, though brief, left an indelible mark on our organisation as we navigated through a period of change and transition. While our journey together may have been marked by challenges, we acknowledge his contributions to Rise FM and the impact he had on our station," he said.
He is survived by seven kids.
His funeral arrangements will be held at United Reformed Church, 6850 Lerothodi Street Tsakani, between 8am and 11am on Saturday, 13 April, before being laid to rest at Brakpan cemetery.
