By Kopano Dibakwane
Popular radio presenter and producer at Thobela FM, Matome Maupi(52), has passed away. He was reportedly off air and on sick leave for over a month before his passing.
Maupi made a name for himself on the airwaves with his interactive current affairs show called, Hlokwa La Tsela, which aired on the public broadcaster station in the evenings every weekday.
Messages of condolences have been pouring in from political parties, colleagues in the media space and listeners of his show from all corners of the country, since his passing was announced through the Thobela FM official Facebook page on Thursday last week.
Maupi gained recognition within political circles and government departments for inviting various leaders of society on the show to account on issues of service delivery, also inviting listeners to air their views on the topics at hand.
Maupi kept his finger on the pulse of current affairs from all over South Africa, often reaching out to other provinces outside of Limpopo such as Mpumalanga, Free State and Gauteng. His great command of the sePedi language made him the pride and joy of the province.
The African National Congress secretary in Limpopo, Reuben Madadzhe, released a statement to convey the party’s words of comfort.
” For more than ten year, the people of Limpopo province have been accustomed to Matome Maupi’s voice. He knew the power of the media, as an instrument of demanding accountability and he understood its value of entrenching democracy. Matome Maupi was not one to be intimidated by a position or authority that the subjects of his interviews possessed,” said Madadzhe.
The Economic Freedom Fighters in Limpopo also extended their condolences through a media statement.
” As we mourn his passing, Maupi will be remembered for his nose for news and his love for current affairs. His indelible contribution to the broadcasting fraternity will not die in vain, but it will inspire aspiring broadcasters,” said the EFF.
