Umhlobo Wenene FM is mourning the loss of its two broadcasting giants. Reverend Nomathamsanqa Rweqana and award-winning novelist and radio host Sonwabo Yawa, both passed away on Tuesday after falling ill.

THE STATION IN MOURNING

The station's Business manager, Loyiso Bala said their contribution will forever be cherished. "The loss of Reverend Nomathamsanqa Rweqana and Sonwabo Yawa leaves a void in the Umhlobo Wenene FM family and the South African broadcasting community. Their legacies will forever be remembered and their contributions cherished. Our deepest condolences go out to their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time," he added.

REVEREND RWEQANA

Despite Reverend Rweqana's retirement two years ago, her former fans and listeners still shared their memories. Rweqana won over listeners in 2008 when she joined the station until her retirement on 31 March 2022. Rweqana hosted the shows; Ngenan Emasangweni Ngendumiso, a religious show that airs on Thursdays between 09:00 am and 12:00 pm, and Ndingu Yehova iGqirha Lakho. In 2017, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Liberty Radio Awards.

AWARD-WINNING

Sonwabo's time at Umhlobo Wenene was equally meaningful. He brains behind the award-winning drama series Ithini Na Lento. He was also being the informative series Konakele phi? which brought light to the deaths of initiates caused during circumcision. He also published Ingalo Yomthetho Inde, a book that was adapted into a radio drama by the station. As a seasoned novelist, he also translated a play that was commissioned on Ukhozi FM for Umhlobo Wenene FM.