By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter, Mthobeli “KCi” August has been laid to rest in his home in Adelaide, Eastern Cape.
KCi (47) was found dead in his Joburg home on Friday, 29 December.
His memorial service was held on Thursday, 4 January at the Sandton Assemblies of God in Sandton, Johannesburg.
His cousin, Lulama Nkebe said the family was heartbroken that his body was found days after his death.
“We decided we’d call him and wish him a Merry Christmas, but he didn’t answer his phone. We didn’t know that during that time, this horrible thing had happened. What hurt the most is that we found him days later. That really hurt us as a family,” she said.
Vuyo Mbuli’s wife, Savita Mbuli said she called him Chi-Chi and said he was more than just a radio presenter.
“I can speak freely about the relationship he had with my parents, children and my husband. Thank you so much, Chichi for connecting us to so many people. I got to know so many people through him, with him, whether it was all or not. I count it as a real privilege that I had the front row in Chi-Chi’s life. Our relationship was an elder sister and younger brother one.”
“He was a hard worker. Before he started working at SABC, you’d believed he worked there because he was there every day. He made ways to be there. Before being on air, he was with the SABC Choristers choir because, for him, it was the door to what he wanted. He used that opportunity which is something the youth today doesn’t do, “Savita said.
SABC Business Manager for the Eastern Cape Combo, Loyiso Bala said he was blessed to know KCi.
“His humour and cheerfulness encouraged people to become radio presenters. When you check under the hashtag #RIPKCi, people are saying they used to run home after school so they can listen to his show. At the time, I wasn’t working at Umhlobo yet, I was still just a singer. He loved my music and he helped put my music and the music of many other musicians on radio.”
KCi’s career in radio was marked by his charismatic presence and his ability to connect with listeners across the country. His contributions to the industry were not just limited to entertainment; he played a vital role in shaping the landscape of radio broadcasting in South Africa.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtsy of Umhlobo Wenene.