PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the departed veteran broadcaster Bob Mabena.
Ramaphosa said that his passing is a loss to the country and the broadcasting fraternity.
READ: BREAKING: BOB MABENA HAS DIED
In his message of condolences to the family, Ramaphosa said Uncle Bob, as he was affectionately known has mentored and paved the way for many emerging broadcasters to achieve their success in a dynamic and competitive industry.
“This is a sad loss not only to Bob’s family and friends, but to the broadcast fraternity and the country. 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,” said the president.
Other political parties added their voices in paying their tribute to the man who has charmed his way to the hearts of many in his radio career that spanned three decades with a stint in television and a brief music career.
The EFF likened his passing to a huge tree that has fallen in the broadcasting industry and will be remembered as a cultural icon who paved the way for black voices in radio.
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“Mabena represented a voice for black youth and an outlet for young black musical talent at a time when black people in South Africa had little to look up to. His role in radio and music development can never be forgotten, and we hope his soul rest in perfect and revolutionary peace,” said the red berets.
Cope in its tribute described Mabena as a broadcaster who performed with a passion and used his radio shows to better the lives of people and no problem was big enough for him.
“We know that he was very disturbed about the state of the country, especially the state of municipalities. The ongoing water problems of Hammanskraal in Pretoria was always non his lips,” it said.
