Eric Goodfriday Makelane, 60, a veteran broadcaster from Xitsonga SABC radio station Munghana Lonene FM, has passed away. Makelane, popularly known as “Khel Khel” or “Bhut Khel,” died in the early hours on Monday. Makelane has been with the SABC since 1987 when he first joined as a Junior Announcer before being promoted to Senior Announcer.
His first assignment was on an evening show called Ahi Xuxeni. He later presented amongst others, programmes such as Wa ti tiva leti, a show based on encyclopaedic information, a chart show known as National Top 20 from 1996 to 1999 as well as Ta Vutomi. He also presented the music request line programme at lunchtime Monday to Friday called Dial a Tune.
With his versatility, he managed to win the hearts of listeners when he hosted a late-night show called Phofula which dealt with deep family issues including marital challenges related topics. Some of his achievements include being voted for “presenter of choice” by listeners for evening shows in the year 2015 at the Munghana Lonene FM Staff Awards.
Mr Makelana had been hosting Gongomela and Timintsu ta Xitsonga Top 10 at the time of his death.
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 meaning he had served the South African Broadcasting Corporation for 33 years up until his unfortunate passing. Mr. Makelane was presenting our midweek show Gongomela between 10 pm in the evening and 1H00 am in the morning. He was known for having a special ability to facilitate a talk show that dealt with social issues and he won an award for that show where he was announced as the best presenter for night shows. We ask everyone to keep his family in their thoughts.
Tebogo Magubane, Munghana Lonene FM’s Acting Station Manager
May his soul rest in peace.
Munghana Lonene FM
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