The Programmes Manager at SABC Limpopo Radio Station Munghana Lonene FM, Tebogo Magubane has resigned. The station held a farewell for Maguba on Friday. The 41-year-old has also been part of the Xitsonga station for the past 15 years.

He also said his goodbyes through his various social media platforms on Friday.

ALSO READ: Munghana Lonene announces its 2023-2024 Line-up   

Magubane spent many years working at  TUT Top Stereo 93.6 (Now Tshwane FM) before moving to Munghana Lonene FM in 2008. He started as a presenter before climbing the ladder to the Programmes manager post.

Amongst others, he has been a producer for various shows including the flagship breakfast show, Phaphama and also the Top 30.

Munghana Lonene programmes manager resigns Tebogo Magubane has resigned
Tebogo Magubane leaving the SABC

TEBOGO MAGUBANE BIDS FAREWELL TO MUNGHANA LONENE FM LISTENERS

“Dear cherished listeners of Munghana Lonene FM,

On the 30th of June 2023, I will be stepping down from my role as Programme Manager, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in my life.

I bid farewell to this remarkable radio station that has been my home for the past 15 incredible years.

The radio waves beckoned me to explore new horizons, and I eagerly accepted the challenge. From presenter, I evolved into the role of producer for various shows including the flagship breakfast show, Phaphama and the Top 30 working diligently behind the scenes.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and growth, I then embraced a specialized role as the producer for imaging. It was here that I discovered the transformative power of sound, crafting the distinct identity of Munghana Lonene FM through captivating jingles, promos, and creative audio elements.

ALSO READ: SATMA Awards call for nominations extension

Throughout this incredible journey, what has truly left an indelible mark on my heart is the unwavering support and loyalty of our listeners. You have been the driving force behind our success, the reason we tirelessly strived to deliver exceptional content day after day. Your calls, messages, and unwavering presence have inspired us to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a public-oriented radio station.

Although I am stepping away from my role as Programme Manager, I want you to know that Munghana Lonene FM will continue to thrive and evolve.

This station is an ever-present beacon, reflecting the pulse of our nation, and it will continue to do so with a team of talented individuals who are committed to its vision and mission.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of my life and for allowing me to be a part of yours. It has been an honour, a privilege, and a joy. May our paths cross again in the tapestry of life and may the melodies of Munghana Lonene FM continue to resonate in your hearts forever.

Tebogo Jacko Magubane

The funeral service of the late Phalaphala FM broadcaster Tshifhiwa Pat Nephawe took place in Makwarela, Vhembe district over the weekend. Family and friends bid farewell to Nephawe who passed on at the age of 68. He died at the NHC Centre in Thohoyandou following a short illness.

ALSO READ: Veteran Phalaphala FM broadcaster Pat Nephawe has died

Nephawe is a veteran presenter of SABC Radio Phalaphala FM. He started his radio career at the then Radio Thohoyandou in 1980. In a career spanning 43 years, Nephawe improved his skills by presenting various programmes.

The funeral of late SABC Broadcaster Pat Nephawe took place on Saturday
Daughter, Rita Dee during the funeral of Pat Nepahwe

He became known for his love for the Jazz genre. He started presenting a jazz show for the station in 1980.

CONDOLENCES PUR IN AT MR JAZZ FUNERAL

During the funeral of Pat Nephawe, Phalaphala FM programme manager, Sharon Ravele said his the death is a huge loss to the station.

“This is such a great loss, not only for the family but for the entire community. Pat was instrumental in many of Phalaphala FM’s projects, and undoubtedly one of the greatest presenters of his time.

“We will miss him, and we pray that God gives his family the comfort they need in this time of grief,” she said.

In his time, Nephawe mentored many presenters, passing on the baton to a younger generation of presenters at the station. Through his popularity, he attracted audiences across various age and language groups.

Limpopo’s leading SABC Radio Station Thobela FM celebrated their 63rd birthday of broadcasting on Thursday.

Thobela FM are still the number one radio station in Limpopo and the top five ALS most listened to stations in South Africa.

Also read: Limpopo-born athlete Caster Semenya to release memoir: THE RACE TO BE MYSELF

The station has planned various activities in June across the country. This will include Sekgosese Moshate, Polokwane, Soshanguve and Centurion surroundings.

THOBELA FM’S 63RD BIRTHDAY ACTIVITIES

The activities started with the broadcasting of Thobela FM shows at the SABC foyer in Polokwane with live performances. Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Mope was also in attendance.

3 June
Soshanguve Crossing Mall activations and Top 30 live broadcast and goodies giveaways. Saturday evening at Cofi Centurion (live OB), DJing and dancing till late at night.

04 June

Sunday church service live recording and OB at Praise Tabernacle Church in Soshanguve.

10 June
Moshate Party
The station will celebrate with its core listeners in Sekgosese village. There will be a whole lot of engagement and entertainment on this day.

DJing
Giveaways to listeners
Live broadcasts
Traditional Dancing/Singing

Leading Limpopo station Thobela FM celebrates 63rd Birthday
Thobela FM Breakfast presenters with Limpopo Combo Business Manager Madikana Matjila

24 June
On 24 June, the station will be hosting an activation in the representation of its age. It is the station‘s culture to celebrate at one of our lucky listeners’ houses. The station runs a competition where any listener staying at a house number like the number of years the station is celebrating stands a chance of winning a prize including a live broadcast at his/her house. Listeners that are staying at house number 63 will be encouraged to send an SMS (SMS Line) to enter the competition. The competition will run from 05 June 2023 until 12 June 2023. The exact venue for the activation #House63 will be determined by the on-air competition, the house of the winner selected will be our broadcast location.

30 June
This will be a first for Thobela FM, taking the Mahlakung Drama Series out to the people in live theatre style (Library Gardens). The theatre act will be closing the birthday festivities for the month of June 2023.

After 23 years, SABC 2 soapie Muvhango will on Monday night bid farewell to one of the most popular characters on the show, Chief Azwindini Mukwevho. The character portrayed by Gabriel Temudzani has been with the show for over two decades.

On Friday, viewers were also left shattered to see the tragic demise of Chief Azwindini after being gunned down by his cousin Tenda, portrayed by Nathaniel Ramabulana.

FAREWELL FOR CHIEF AZWINDINI MUKWEVHO AS HE LEAVES MUVHANGO

In Monday’s episode, Chief Azwindini will be set alight by Tenda who is avenging himself against those that put him in jail. 

“Life is a collective, and it’s well lived when it’s shared,” said Temudzani in a statement. 

“The Chief of Thathe shall live forever.”

Muvhango bids farewell to Chief Azwindini Mukwevho
Muvhango bids farewell to Chief Azwindini Mukwevho

Also read: Limpopo Woman to sue Police for wrongful arrest

As per the royal family customs, the Chief of Thathe will be laid to rest later in the month.

“The royal family will now be faced with the daunting task of navigating the aftermath of this tragedy. Which is sure to be also a challenging and emotional process,” read the statement. 

Temudzani said he enjoyed bringing the character to life and thanked Muvhango and also SABC for the opportunity they gave him.

“I had a great time portraying this heroic character,” he wrote. “Thanks for the opportunity @muvhangosa, @sabc2 you[r] platform is much appreciated. @soapiebestscenes, thanks for your support over the years. Nndaa!!”

Different people from all walks of life in Limpopo have conveyed their condolences to the late SABC Radio Thobela FM news reader Matome Maupi. Maupi passed away on Thursday, 13 April following a long illness.

He has reportedly been sick since February this year. The 52-year-old was the host of Hlokwa La Tsela evening show on weekdays.

THOBELA FM CONFIRMS NEWS READER MATOME MAUPI PASSING

“Thobela FM has fallen into the eyes. The director of the main road program, Motome Maupi has slept a deep sleep. Matome ‘News Head’ fell asleep last night. May his soul rest in peace,” the station announced on Friday.

Condolences pour in for late Thobela FM news reader, Matome Maupi
Thobela FM news reader, Matome Maupi has passed away

CONDOLENCES POUR IN FROM INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES

“One of the greatest to ever grace the radio fraternity. It was during my high school days when I heard the energetic, husky voice of this legend on Mohodi FM. Not only was he a presenter but Matome was also a musician as well. His hit Go Nkga Teki was one of the most popular songs he has ever released,” wrote former colleague and now Energy FM presenter Kwenisto Makgaga.

“Dear brother in Broadcasting, it is with deep sadness to be writing a tribute to you posthumously. I cannot believe my ears. I had to convince myself that perhaps it was fake news. Especially after receiving a message from our fellow college student, Connie, who was also in shock and disbelief. I cried. Yes, I hysterically cried…I was like “No ways! Not Matome.” My day turned dark,” wrote Lerato Maseogane.

“Sending love and comfort to his family, friends and colleagues from all of us at Mukurukuru Media. May the ancestors receive his gentle soul and offer him eternal peace among the angels,” said renowned journalist and founder of Mukurukuru Media Lucas Ledwaba.

Politician and SA member of parliament Boy Mamabolo was also among those who have paid tribute to Maupi.

Limpopo SABC Radio station Munghana Lonene FM have announced changes to its presenter line-up effective from Saturday, 1 April 2022.

Morris ‘Maningi wa Ntamu’ Sibuyi’s return to midweeks. He takes over the Community diaries slot Ta Vaaki weekdays from 20:00 to 21:00. 

Thembi ‘Thembzana Reloaded’ Thobela will now present the social content slot on Mondays to Thursdays from 22:00 to 00:00. 

Also read: Munghana Lonene launches pop-up studio at Masingita Mall in Giyani

The popular adult content talk show Gongomela moves to 00:00 to 03:00 Mondays to Fridays. It will still be hosted by Risimati ‘N’wana n’wa Gee” Kwinika.

On Friday nights from 21:00 to 22:00, the station welcomes Nghwazi ya Mpfanganiso talent search runner-up Hope Lebese. She joins the on-air team as the new presenter for Youth ke Yona. 

On Saturdays, Munghana Lonene FM listeners will welcome back seasoned broadcaster and household name Sydney Baloyi. He joins co-host Kulani ‘Ms. Kulie’ Hobyane and producer Themba ‘Techtonics’ Chauke for the Saturday breakfast show N’wayitelo wa Mugqibela from 07:00 to 09:00.

Goodwill Nziane (Producer) and Nyiko Sithole remain on the popular Sports show: Ta Mintlangu
Goodwill Nziane (Producer) and Nyiko Sithole remain on the popular Sports show: Ta Mintlangu

Quinton ‘The Qunitonizer’ Baloyi joins Foster ‘Mafosi – Try by force’ Chauke. They will present the station’s signature Xitsonga traditional music show Timitsu ta Xitsonga on Saturdays from 13:00 to 15:00. 

Popular preacher Dr KS Maluleke will co-present the Sunday morning gospel show Sisimuka u vangama with Maningi wa Ntamu from 06:00 to 09:00. Dr Maluleke will also be based at the station’s Giyani satellite studios. 

Also read: The Thobela FM gospel festival 2022 was a monumental success

In addition, the station also welcomes two religious contributors namely Pastor AG Zitha popularly known as the ‘The Voice of Transformation’ for Christianity as well as Phendus Mashakeni for Rastafarian.

The station is also going to introduce profiling programmes on multi-platforms to celebrate the Vatsonga intellectual heritage. It will be hosted by Khalanga Pat Mathebula once every  month. 

OFFICIAL LINE-UP

Munghana Lonene have announced its 2023-2024 Line-up
Munghana Lonene have announced its 2023-2024 Line-up
Munghana Lonene have announced its 2023-2024 Line-up

“We are excited to introduce cutting-edge digital SABC+ platform’s which is incorporated int Munghana Lonene FM offerings. That has a mix of fresh new talent coupled with big industry names that will continue to offer listeners a great listening experience. Munghana Lonene FM also intends to live up to its brand promise by being a trendsetter in the broadcasting space,” said SABC Limpopo Combo Business Manager, Madikana Matjila. 

The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) only Xitsonga radio station, Munghana Lonene hosted the 17th Xitsonga Music Awards (XMA17) ceremony on Saturday, 5 November. It was hosted at Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium in Tzaneen and were preceded by a Gala dinner.

2022 edition of Xitsonga Music Awards were themed “Vunanga ivutomi” (Music is Life).

The awards also celebrated artists, producers, songwriters, and cultural dancers who create music and art in Xitsonga.

XITSONGA MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

Biggest winner of the night was Themba Nyathi in the Most Popular Song Category with his famous song ‘A kuna tlhari’. It garnered a lot of votes from the listeners he walked away with R30 000. Producer of the hit song Stanley Chiloane also won best Producer.

Public (listeners) voted for their favorite’s artists and songs, the winners walked away with statuettes and prize money ranging from R12 000 to R30 000.

The awards were heralded by a gala dinner on Friday, November 04, where the station also honored 5 Xitsonga Music legends were honored.

Patrick Nkuna and Peter Hlungwani were honored posthumously Vuyelwa, and Dr. Joe Shirimane was recognized as Living Legends and Jeff Maluleke was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award.

After the awards, a music festival followed with artists such as Musa Keys, Joe Shirimani, Mr Bow, Dr Malinga, Mr Post who performed until Sunday morning.

Munghana Lonene FM Programmes Manager, Tebogo Magubane called on Xitsonga music creators to rally behind the initiative. He also highlighted that it should be seen as a lasting legacy that must be preserved for future generations.

“The aim of these awards is also to promote culture, heritage, language, and social cohesion through music and dance. We are delighted about the awards and are positive that they will indeed serve as a game changer by encouraging more artists to produce music in Xitsonga. Further recognize those who work tirelessly to promote the music,” said Magubane.

LIST OF XMA17 WINNERS:

  1. Best Xitsonga Newcomer Artist- Dr Sophie

2. Best Xitsonga Traditional Gospel Song- Bongi Matlhabane – A khensiwe

3. Best Xitsonga Praise and Worship Gospel Song- Dr Princess Janitor – Tshembela ka wena

4. Best Xitsonga Disco/Dance Song 2022- Daniel Brothers – Rirhandzu ra mali

5. Best Xitsonga Afro Pop/ R&B/ Song- Dolph – Nsati waka hina

6. Best Xitsonga Hip Hop Song- Simefree ft. Emtee – Ku katekisiwa

7. Best Xitsonga House Song – M.O.P ft Clive S – Khombo ra mina

8. Best Xitsonga Collaboration- Nomonde Ft. Mr Post Nilombi

9. Best Xitsonga Duo / Group- Hosi yo lungha na Xirhami Sisters

10. Best Xitsonga Female- Dr Sophy

11. Best Xitsonga Male Artist- Mr Post

12. Best Xitsonga Album. – Vele ra Xifambi – Oscar Makamu na Majuvani Sisters

13. Xitsonga Traditional Song. – Va ka Chavalala- Mshengu

14. Xitsonga Most Popular Song. – A ku na tlhar -Themba Nyathi

15. Best Xitsonga Producer – Stanley Chiloane for A ku na tlhari: Themba Nyathi

Television and Metro FM Radio presenter Pearl Shongwe dies, according to a report by Sunday World on Tuesday. 

Shongwe, the newsreader was currently on the Touchdown with Tbo Touch show on SABC Radio Station Metro FM.

PEARL SHONGWE DIES

She was found dead at her home in Polofields north of Joburg on Tuesday afternoon.

A source, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal. Told the publication that Shongwe was found dead by neighbours who alerted the police.

Popular Metro FM Newsreader Pearl Shongwe dies
Pearl Shongwe

“The police are also on the scene trying to establish the cause of her death,” said the deep throat.

Another mole said the former SABC news reader was found lying dead alone in her home.

“At the moment all I can say is that no injuries were found. It also appears that she might have died of natural causes. She was found lying on her bed face down,” said the tipster.

Gauteng Police Spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza asked Sunday World to send her written questions. But she had not responded at the publication published the story. 

Shongwe was 35 at the time of her untimely passing. 

JOURNALISIM CAREER AND METRO FM STINT

She was born in Soweto and was a Miss Soweto 2011 finalist.

Her career kicked off in 2010 when she worked for youth radio station YFM as an entertainment reporter. She worked alongside Mo Flava and also SABC Sport as a reporter and voice artist to their flagship programs. This  includes a children sport show, ‘Sports Buzz’.

Shongwe also featured on the SABC 24hr News channel as a sports host on Sports Live.

She also moved on to co-host Morning Live on weekends alongside Simphiwe Ncongwane.

She has become a force to be reckoned with in the media landscape. Born in Soweto, the television presenter, newsreader, voice artist and facilitator has always dreamed of a career in broadcasting – having started auditioning for TV commercials at the age of 12.

Legendary actor Patrick Shai has passed away, his family confirmed that he died on Saturday morning.

“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of veteran actor Ntate Patrick Shai. He passed away this morning (22nd January 2022),” said a statement released by the family.

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Shai is best known for his roles in SABC shows Generations, Soul City and Zero Tolerance.

ACTOR PATRICK SHAI HAS DIED

Last week, Patrick came under fire for using inappropriate language in a video posted on social media, when he challenged rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match.

On Tuesday, he released a public apology to the rapper and everyone affected by his remarks.

The family has requested privacy and time to process the painful loss.