Veteran Munghana Lonene FM presenter Eric Goodfriday Makelane, popularly known as “Khel Khel” or “Bhut Khel”, has died at the age of 60.
Makelane died in the early hours of Monday after a broadcasting career spanning more than three decades at the SABC’s Xitsonga radio station.
He joined the SABC on 1 September 1987 as a junior announcer before later being promoted to senior announcer. At the time of his death, Makelane had served the public broadcaster for 33 years.
Eric Makelane’s 33 years at Munghana Lonene FM
Makelane’s first assignment was on an evening show Ahi Xuxeni.
Over the years, he went on to present several shows across different formats, including Wa ti tiva leti, a show focused on encyclopaedic information, and Ta Vutomi.
From 1996 to 1999, he hosted the National Top 20 chart show.
Makelane was also behind the microphone for Dial a Tune, a lunchtime music request programme that aired from Monday to Friday.
His versatility extended beyond music programming
Makelane won the hearts of listeners through the late-night show Phofula, where he facilitated conversations about deep family and social issues, including challenges affecting marriages.
His work was recognised in 2015 when listeners voted him “presenter of choice” for evening shows at the Munghana Lonene FM Staff Awards.
At the time of his death, Makelane hosted Gongomela as well as Timintsu ta Xitsonga Top 10.
Munghana Lonene FM remembers Eric Makelane
Acting Munghana Lonene FM Station Manager Tebogo Magubane described Makelane as a valued member of the station’s team.
“Mr Makelane passed on this morning at around five in the morning and he had been a valued member of our team since the first of September 1987 when he joined the station.”
Magubane highlighted Makelane’s ability to facilitate conversations around social issues and recalled the recognition he received for his work on night-time radio.
“We ask everyone to keep his family in their thoughts,” Magubane said.
