The late radio presenter Mthobeli ?KCi' August will buried tomorrow in his hometown of Adelaide in the Eastern Cape. "In partnership with friends all over the country and former Thubalethu High School students, the family is organising a dignified farewell for Mthobeli Casey August," A close friend revealed.
Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend the funeral. Although many people are still on holiday and others travelling back to gear up for work, a source close to the situation says many people including celebrities have been showing love and support to his family and have indicated they will be attending his funeral. Yesterday friends and former colleagues gathered at the Assemblies of God in Sandton to celebrate the decorated radio broadcaster, who captured audiences across South Africa with his unique and witty style of presentation. But the memorial service was not without its share of drama. A friend and former colleague at the SABC Palo Mokoailane Ernzo accused the SABC of failing KCi when he needed them mostly. According to Palo who was one of the the last people to see him alive, he asked KCi if he was willing to go back to Mhlobo Wenene after he was fired. "Without hesitation, he said he would go back anytime. Till today he didn't know why he was fired, which is something that pained him until his death because he was still in love with radio," He also mentioned that KCI survived on voice-overs and that he was working on getting his podcast.
Former Miss Teen SA Zizo Beda who used to work with KCi at Mhlobo Wenene described the flamboyant presenter as hard-working, supportive and professional. She also made a joke about her first encounter with KCi, admitting that she was intimidated by his larger-than-life personality. She also shared that he loved music and was always optimistic about life. "He was always happy and he saw something good in everyone - he loved and respected his listeners," she said. She also attributed some of her success to KCi. "He was always well prepared and professional- I don't think I would have gone this far in my radio career had it not been for his support and confidence in me," she added.
KCi was found at his home unconscious five days ago at his home in Johannesburg and he was 47 at the time of his death. His death sparked debate with others speculating that he committed suicide. But his family quickly issued a statement refuting the claims and said they suspected that he slipped to his death after taking a bath. In a statement, the family asked for privacy. "We ask for privacy during this time of mourning," the statement read.
