Tributes are pouring in for the late radio giant, Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande. He passed away at a Durban hospital on Friday morning.
In a statement, the family said Nzimande was rushed to hospital after a short illness where he passed away.
The former Ukhozi FM station manager joined the public broadcaster in 1978.
He is being hailed for his role in preserving Zulu culture and Maskandi music.
Farewell Bhodloza, Farewell Welcome Nzimande & General Mthembuhttps://t.co/Za7JR1VJlb pic.twitter.com/9fnWMLvKCx
— Premier Sihle Zikalala (@sziks) January 15, 2021
Prince Africa Zulu from the Royal Onkweni House pays tribe to the cultural legend.
“It’s a very sad day for the Zulu nation. His role while he was at SABC, he worked hard in restoring the dignity of the Zulu people in terms of the language and the culture. But he really did a lot for the Maskandi people in terms of social cohesion. When people used to fight using the music of Maskandi, he stopped all that. He took the peoples’ music of the rural areas to another level,” says Zulu.
Entrepreneur and former Ukhozi FM DJ, Linda Sibiya, shares his reaction on hearing of Nzimande’s passing.
He says Nzimande was like a brother to him.
“I cried in front of everyone because Bhodolza, he was a father, he was a leader, a protector. Bhodloza was a selfless leader, he loved young people, he loved new talent.”
I’m BROKEN…Bhodloza Nzimande lala ngokuthula. Thanks for everything and I’m what I am because of your leadership. You allowed me to start the slot of the MOTIVATION on Ukhozi fm, Magic tour even advice me on personal things. Mpathi wami – kulungile lala Qhawe. pic.twitter.com/frQxx1ipjQ
— Linda Sibiya (@Linda_Sibiya) January 15, 2021
Former friend and colleague Scelo Mbokazi says Nzimande’s passing is a huge loss to the local music industry.
“It’s a loss for the family and a loss for the community of KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a big loss to the music industry, especially uMaskhandi. It’s a loss to the entire people of South Africa and Africa; he has been irreplaceable, may his soul rest in peace.”
Tributes pour in for veteran broadcaster Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande:
