By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Africa Channel Business Manager Luzuko Koti has died.
He was 47 years old and died after a short illness.
A family spokesperson Nontobeko Mabitsela confirmed the sad news to Fullview that Koti has passed away earlier today.
The family released the statement and reads as follows:
It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Luzuko Koti earlier today, 21 March 2022.
Luzuko was the Business Manager of Channel Africa, and former director of communication and marketing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and a broadcaster at Umhlobo Wenene FM.
Luzuko lived his life in service of the nation and Africa in all roles he occupied. This is no doubt a devastating moment and a loss of a great patriot.
Kindly keep his mother, his children and his entire family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Further information with regard to all the arrangements will be announced soon.
Koti’s education covers journalism and communication disciplines. He held a BA in Communications from the University of South Africa.
He also held a Certificate in Journalism and Media Studies from the Development Media Institute in Grahamstown, and an Advanced Journalism Teaching Program in Sigtuna, Sweden.
Koti was a seasoned journalist, communicator and broadcaster with over 23 years of experience in the media, public sector, private sector and most recently NGOs.
He was the business manager for SABC’s Channel Africa. He was a seasoned communications and media practitioner, including years in senior management. These included seven years as a development journalist and contract editor for radio and television.
He held a senior position in the Government of the Republic of South Africa for 7 years, as Director of Communications for the community support program Project Consolidate. He later became Director of Communications (Executive Manager) at the Provincial and Local Government/Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Division.
Koti was also Executive Director of Communications and later Managing Director of Oresego Holdings. He was Director of Communications and Marketing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation for nearly 5 years. Koti held a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He had also studied journalism in developing media agencies and had completed several training programs in leadership, editing and management.
Meanwhile in a statement the Nelson Mandela Foundation said it was with sadness and shock that the Board and staff of the foundation heard of the untimely passing of the organisation’s former head of communications, Luzuko Koti.
He was an inspiration to many colleagues at the time of his service at the NMF. He had a long career in broadcasting and communications, and was business manager of Channel Africa at the time of his passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time. May he rest in peace.