Staff Reporter.
Photo Credit: Durban University of Technology.
The former Ukhozi FM station manager Welcome ‘Bhodloza’ Nzimande is to be laid to rest on Wednesday.
‘Bhodloza’, as he was popularly known, passed away on Friday following Covid-19 related complications.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised a state funeral for the late Nzimande following a request by the KZN provincial government.
Nzimande is best known for his broadcasting work at the SABC, where he started his career in 1978 as an announcer for the then Radio Zulu.
After 19 years at the station, he became station manager of present-day Ukhozi FM.
He held this position for 13 years.
Nzimande was a revered name in the broadcasting industry. He was born in Richmond and initially qualified as a teacher. He joined the SABC radio station Ukhozi FM in the late 1970s as a presenter. Nzimande held this position for 19 years, before becoming the station manager for 13 years.
His family said despite his achievements in the broadcasting industry, he remained a humble man.
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said: “He worked with great diligence and serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal and Ukhozi FM. Under him, it is when Ukhozi was launched as Ukhozi FM from Radio Zulu.”
Nzimande will be buried at his home village of Ophatheni in Richmond in the KZN Midlands.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of SABC.
Meanwhile the late MEC Bheki Ntuli will be laid to rest on Thursday at his home in Empangeni. A prayer service will take place at Esikhaleni Community Hall.
The funeral services will be streamed live on all the KZN Provincial Government platforms and will follow the level 3 adjusted regulations and COVID-19 protocols.
“Flags will accordingly fly at half-mast as directed by the President, in line with the policy governing Provincial Official Funeral category on,” Zikalala said.