SABC conveys condolences to Umhlobo Wenene presenter’s family

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in the Eastern Cape has conveyed their condolences to the family of the late Umhlobo Wenene FM and television presenter, Pastor Nomonde Vakalisa.

Vakalisa passed away in hospital this morning after battling with an illness.  She was well known as the host of various faith-based programmes on the station.

Tributes are pouring in from all the corners. Her faith-based radio and television shows were loved by thousands.

Vakalisa’s colleague, radio personality Putco Mafani says they are finding it difficult to deal with her passing.

“It’s a big loss because Pastor Nomonde Vakalisa was the glue of various religions particularly in the Christian community listenership, regardless of their religious affiliation, they always found inspirations in her show. They always found hope, those that were hopeless and she just had a way. I think this happened too soon, Nomonde was quite young, but we lost her, it’s a big loss.”

Sad to hear the passing of Umhlobo WeneneFM presenter Nomonde Vakalisa….may her soul rest in peace as she drops the mic 📻🎤 😭 pic.twitter.com/c62WvwMIUi

— Radio_Junkie (@RatoMohale) December 4, 2024

Those who were closest to her described Vakalisa as a true inspiration to the younger generation of radio presenters.

A colleague, Pastor Zee Makaula says she was a kind and patient teacher.

“ I was new in radio, I had no radio experience, so I had the privilege of being mentored by her because each and every time, she would tell me what I need to do, how I need to prepare for the show. She taught me even isiXhosa because I was not very good in IsiXhosa and she would say to me, this is how you prepare. A day before your show, speak like you’re speaking to your audience, so she was very helpful in developing my radio career.”

The business manager of the Eastern Cape Radio Stations, Loyiso Bala says her legacy will live on.

“ We saw a great growth in the numbers but I think more than that,  also the healing that occurred with our audiences, we are very grateful to have had her with us, we are going to miss her a lot but we thank God that she has left such a legacy so that those who follow after her will be able to take on that baton and keep on running until the end.”

SABC Regional Operations Manager in the Eastern Cape, Ayanda Makaula, says she made a big impact in many lives.

“ Nomonde served as a spiritual anchor to our listeners who really needed spiritual nourishment and so as the SABC Eastern Cape, we are incredibly saddened at the loss of Nomonde and we hope that she rests in peace and we pass our sincere condolences to the Vakalisa family,  her beloved son, friends and family and to the audiences.”

The details of her funeral will be announced by her family. She was 47 years old.