The radio fraternity is mourning the passing of former Rise and Gagasi FM programmes manager, Patrick Bogatsu. Bogatsu passed away at his home in Tsakane outside Brakpan, in the east of Johannesburg on Sunday.

PASSING AWAY

The news of Bogatsu's passing was confirmed by Rise FM station manager Lance Classen in a statement. "It is with heavy hearts that we at Rise FM announce the passing of our former station manager, Patrick Bogatsu. Mr Bogatsu, who briefly helmed our organisation, departed from this world on the 7th of April 2024 at his home in Tsakane, Brakpan," Classen said in a statement. Classen added that during his time with Rise FM, Bogatsu brought a unique vision and drive to the station and that his leadership, though brief, left an indelible mark. While our journey together may have been marked by challenges, we acknowledge his contributions to Rise FM and the impact he had on our station." Rise FM further extended their deepest condolences to Bogatsu's family and his loved ones during this difficult time. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn the loss of their beloved patriarch," he said.

BOGATSU'S RADIO JOURNEY 

A teacher by profession, Bogatsu became a powerful radio personnel after he joined Durban's Gagasi FM where he stayed for seven years before moving to another KwaZulu Natal based commercial radio station Vuma FM in 2015. He stayed at Vuma for four years before moving to an Mpumalanga radio station Rise FM, where he worked until he retired in 2022.