The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in Limpopo and the media fraternity are in mourning, following the death of well-known news reader, Mr Mmbulungeni Mafenya-Mphaphuli. He died on Saturday evening at the MediClinic in Polokwane, after a short illness.

Mafenya-Mphaphuli (56), of Thohoyandou P West, was Phalaphala FM´s senior news reader, based in Polokwane. He had won several awards. Among others, he was voted the best radio news reader by listeners. He was known for his humorous ending of news bulletins.

He was also honoured by the Vhembe Journalists Forum in 2010 for his long service and contribution to the news fraternity. He was from the Mphaphuli Royal Family.

Family spokeswoman Dr Livhuwani Mafenya said the family was saddened by the passing away of Mmbulungeni, as he was regarded as a light to the family and the nation at large. “We are truly devastated, as we have lost a pillar of the family; everyone looked up to him for advice,” she said.

Mr Freddy Sadiki, Phalaphala FM station manager, was at a loss for words. “This is a great loss not only for the station and the family but the whole community. To lose such an iconic newsreader at this time is painful. We are just praying that God gives them the comfort they need in this time of grief,” he said.

Mafenya-Mphaphuli joined Radio Venda in 1985 and had a stint at Radio Thohoyandou before going back to Phalaphala FM in Polokwane when the two stations merged. Prior to his career as a broadcaster, he served for more than four years as a teacher at Mphaphuli Secondary School near Sibasa.

A memorial service was held at the SABC’s Polokwane offices yesterday (Thursday). The family and community will hold a memorial service at his home in Thohoyandou P West today. He will be buried this afternoon (Friday), at Malavuwe’s sacred burial site.

The funeral service will start at 11:00 at the deceased’s home at Thohoyandou P West before proceeding to Malavuwe for burial.

Mafenya is survived by his wife, Rabelani Lilian Mphaphuli, three boys, two elder brothers and two younger sisters.