Tears all over for beloved Bhodloza Nzimande

Sihle Mkhize

Messages of condolences have been pouring in since Friday morning when the news of the passing of well-respected former Ukhozi FM station manager, Dr Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande.

Bhodloza or Ingulub’encane as he was fondly known during his days on air before turning to management at the SABC radio station, was widely respected for growing Maskandi music and helping it to the standard it in now. He used the show, S’giya Ngengoma to give the genre some mileage of Saturday late mornings and used his humoristic presenting style to give young and unknown artists a change to show how big the genre was.
Among those who sent their condolences was Ukhozi’s former Marketing Manager, Mlamuli Nxele who got the job at 26, with Nzimande’s trust.
“I arrived at UKhozi FM when I was 26-years-old. It was the first time Ukhozi had employed a Marketing Manager, he believed in me. We built our working relationship to the point where he could visit my parents at home. I have lost a father,” Mlamuli said.
Ukhozi FM said: “We are saddened by the passing of our former manager, Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande. Rest Mphethethe, you played your role and you developed the station and traditional music. We thank you for your contribution.”

Maskandi legend, Mfiliseni Magubane said they knew each other from as early as the 80’s when Bhodloza joined Ukhozi FM.
“He recognised me and Sipho Mchunu. We were later chosen as judges for an Ijuba music competition. And the late Umfazi Omnyama was discovered there. One day he told me that my brilliance is good for radio presenting, unfortunately my lack of education was a stumbling block,” Mfiliseni said.
“Last week he called me and applauded my music. I remember him as a peacemaker between Mgqumeni and Mtshengiseni because their fans were fighting. Again he made peace between Bhekumuzi Luthulu and Thokozani Langa.”