Minister Nathi Mthethwa on the passing of DJ, radio veteran and media mogul, Bob Mabena

It  is  with  great  sadness  that  we  learn  of  the  untimely  passing  of  Bob  Kgomotso Mabena at the age of 51.  Mabena was a renowned television and radio icon.

His  career  in  radio  began  in  1989  and  spanned  over  three  decades.    He  started at Radio Bop in  the  Republic  of  Bophuthatswana,  where  he  hosted the afternoon  and morning  shows.    Some  of  the radio  stations  that  Bob worked  for  include Metro  FM, Highveld  Stereo,  Kaya  FM and  most  recently, Power  FM where  he  anchored  the breakfast show.

Mabena emerged   from   humble   beginnings.   He   was   raised   by   his   maternal grandmother  from  the  age  of  11,  subsequent  to  his  mother’s  death. His  passing comes   just   two   months after   he disclosed   to his   Twitter   followers   that   his grandmother had succumbed to COVID-19.

Minister  Mthethwa  said  “Bob  Mabena  wove  a  remarkable  thread  across  the tapestry of the South African media landscape. He was a giant who left an indelible mark in music, arts and broadcasting”.

Rest in peace Bob “The Jammer” Mabena. The Creative sector has lost a diamond.

END

Media enquiries:

Masechaba Khumalo: Spokesperson (Minister)  Email: MasechabaK@dsac.gov.za

Zimasa Velaphi: Head of Communications (Arts & Culture)  Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za