Much loved presenter is laid to rest

EMJINDINI – Ligwalagwala FM presenter Phumlile “LaNyambose” Mthethwa was given a fitting send-off in Emjindini.

More than 5 000 mourners, including a host of state officials, bade farewell to the former Barberton community radio presenter.
Mthethwa passed away on Thursday November 7 at Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria. She used to present the wake-up call, Vukuyibambe every weekday from 03:00 to 05:30. She was full of life, inspirational, an extrovert and loved being a radio DJ. She was not only heard on air by her listeners but also touched a lot of lives.

She used to host motivational talks at various schools around the Lowveld and was involved in a lot of corporate social responsibility initiatives. The first was a school-uniform donation to her former school, Emjindini Secondary for destitute learners.

The second one was on Mandela Day, where she prepared lunch with her colleagues for the elders of Sikhulile Mhola old-age home in Emjindini. She also spearheaded the school’s alumni reunion.

She has been described as a professional who executed her work diligently with dedication, always willing to go the extra mile. She would at times stand in for Lungile Mhango during Siyadvumisa, the Sunday gospel show, which airs from 07:00 to 09:00 on Sundays and the Tfokomala Nami, on weekdays from 10:00 to 12:00.

She was also nominated twice for the best traditional music DJ at the South African Traditional Music Awards in 2009 and 2012.
Her colleagues paid tribute to her: Alex Nkosi said Mthethwa did everything for the station, “She educated, she entertained, and she did everything it mandated her with. May her soul rest in peace,” said Nkosi.

Mhango said Mthethwa was like her sister. Tracy Mathabela described Mthethwa as their favourite whom they will miss. “You were big physically, big in heart but old in age. We will always remember you,” said Mathabela.

Mthethwa was laid to rest at Emjindini cemetery on Saturday. She leaves behind her son, mother, brothers and sisters.