The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala has announced that the provincial government will make a submission to rename Endaleni TVET College at Richmond in the midlands of the province the “Dr. Bhodloza Nzimande College”. This is to honour the veteran broadcaster’s contribution to the education sector and the music industry.
Zikalala was among the guest speakers at Nzimande’s funeral at his birthplace near Richmond.
Nzimande, who was 73, succumbed to COVID-19 last week.
Welcome “Bhodloza” Nzimande worked as a broadcaster at the SABC‘s Ukhozi FM since 1978 and was a station manager for 13 years.
Mourners gathered at Nzimande’s birthplace to bid farewell. Local leaders, musicians, and leaders from different political parties were among the mourners who attended the veteran broadcaster’s funeral.
Zikalala, who also attended the funeral, says Nzimande’s legacy must live on as he was a peacemaker and a unifier of people.
“Your views are correct that the late Nzimande worked very hard for the community of Richmond, and his contribution to the FET College deserves us who are in leadership to give that recognition. It will be fitting for the municipality to submit and engage all stakeholders to say the Indaleni TVET college be named after Dr. Bhodloza Nzimande College.”
The funeral service of legendary broadcaster Bhodloza Nzimande:
Unifying people
Zikalala also applauded the role the late Nzimande played to end the bloodshed between the Inkatha Freedom Party and African National Congress (ANC) members in the area during political violence.
“He worked hard to bring unity to the nation. He worked with the local leadership to bring peace between the IFP and the ANC. He sacrificed with his life to make sure that the nation develops.”
Veteran Maskandi musician Bheki Ngcobo, known as “Ihhashi Elimhlophe”, says they really enjoyed each and every moment they spent with Bhodloza in the music industry.
“The coming together of the three of us (ihhashi, Umfazi, and Phuza) was the most interesting time that we enjoyed during the time of Bhodloza. It was the first time to see three Maskandi musicians singing together. We learnt many good things from Nzimande such as respect, diligence and confidence.”
The deceased also played a role in unearthing talent from the youth through Dr. Bhodloza Nzimande Foundation.
