It’s a sad day for the local broadcasting industry as one of the greats, Bob Mabena, has passed away at just 51 from cardiac arrest.
The radio legend, whose career spans an impressive 31 years, has been broadcasting since 1989 and appeared on stations like Metro FM, Heart FM, 947 and SABC before joining MSG Afrika as station manager of POWER 98.7 while hosting the POWER Breakfast Show.
In a statement, Given Mkhari, chairman of POWER 98.7 and MSG Afrika, confirmed that Bob had unfortunately passed away from cardiac arrest. “It is true that our brother, our colleague, the legend Bob Mabena passed away this afternoon,” he said. “He had been admitted on Saturday and was discharged this morning. On the way home with Mrs. Mabena he started experiencing some more pains. They drove back to the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital he was in ICU. I was with Mrs Mabena and were called into a room where they pronounced that he had passed away. The doctor tells us they suspect it was a cardiac attack after they took him back to ICU.”
Bob’s death comes just two months after his mother passed away due to Covid-19. “She contracted Covid in a hospital whilst going in for a lung infection. Within 3 days, she was gone. The hospitals aren’t ready,” Bob tweeted at the time.
Since news of Bob’s shocking death, some of Mzansi’s biggest celebs shared their shock, condolences and stories of how Bob was a source of inspiration.
Hard to believe. You did radio with passion and joy. Pure radio talent. A Star. You set the bar, showed how it’s done. You defined & shaped it for years to come. You loved it & it loved you back like crazy. A radio legend has fallen.
Moya wa hao o robale ka khotso #RIPBobMabena
— Azania (@Azania_) August 10, 2020
I’m in absolute shock. What a loss. For his family, for radio and for @Powerfm987. Uncle Bob always supported and encouraged my career. What a painful day. #RIPBobMabena
— Pabi Moloi (@PabiMoloi) August 10, 2020
What a tragic loss💔🥺. Andizazi noba ndingathini. My heart goes out to Eucharist, his children, the Mabena family at large, and to everybody at Power😭💔. #RipBobMabena pic.twitter.com/AyGyKKDbeR
— Thembisa Nxumalo (@tembisa) August 10, 2020
Uncle Bob 💔 what a legend. What a loss. Thanks for teaching us the art of giving when behind the mic #RIPBobMabena pic.twitter.com/ie6munhoBl
— MantsoePout-Nomzamo (@MantsoePout) August 10, 2020
Go well Uncle Bob, you're a legend, a pioneer, a great, one of the best that ever did it. Sincere condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. #RIPBobMabena #BobMabena 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/1dvkQyYSdX
— ProVerb (@ProVerbMusic) August 10, 2020
I am shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of a broadcasting legend, Bob Mabena. He was a giant. #RIPBobMabena pic.twitter.com/jmCfmy20uj
— David O'Sullivan (@davidosullie) August 10, 2020
Rest in Power to a Legend, an Icon, a mentor, our brother, Ntate Bob Mabena. 😢😢😢💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭
— #OwnYourThrone👑 (@Boity) August 10, 2020
Rest in peace, Bob. South African broadcasting has lost a giant.
