Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu, a renowned radio presenter with Ukhozi FM in KwaZulu-Natal, passed away suddenly, leaving his devoted listeners in mourning. Mchunu’s enchanting voice earned him a prominent place in many households, and he was the founder of KZN Matric Excellence. His legacy as a storyteller, music lover, and unifying figure who bridged communities is remembered and celebrated by those who knew and loved him. Mchunu’s death is part of a distressing trend at Ukhozi FM, which has recently witnessed the loss of several high-profile presenters.
Who was Bheka Mchunu?
Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu was a beloved radio presenter with Ukhozi FM in KwaZulu-Natal. His enchanting voice earned him a prominent place in many households, and he was the founder of KZN Matric Excellence. Mchunu passed away suddenly, leaving his devoted listeners and the broader radio community in mourning.
The Tragic News
KwaZulu-Natan’s foremost political party, the African National Congress (ANC), has expressed profound grief over the sudden demise of Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu, a much-loved radio presenter with Ukhozi FM. The distressing news of Mchunu’s passing was confirmed by the national broadcaster SABC on Tuesday, 12 March. The heartbreaking announcement plunged his devoted listeners as well as the broader radio community into mourning.
The Legacy of Mchunu
At 45, Mchunu was more than just a presenter. His role was akin to a link that effectively brought together various communities across the area. His enchanting voice, a harmonious mix of friendliness and appeal, earned him a prominent place in many households. Ukhozi FM aptly described Mchunu as a person whose influence crossed over the radio waves and reached deep into people’s hearts, making him an irreplaceable part of the station’s family.
Apart from his role as a radio personality, Mchunu was also the founder of KZN Matric Excellence, an organization that played a significant role in the local community. However, his health had been on a downward spiral for some time. In certain instances, this fiercely committed presenter reportedly passed out on air, presumably due to his illness. In another instance, he lost his voice while live on air—an incident that highlighted his deteriorating health condition.
Tributes and Condolences
In reaction to Mchunu’s untimely death, Mafika Mndebele, the spokesperson for ANC KZN, acknowledged him as a national treasure of unique importance. As per Mndebele, Mchunu, the former host of Kanye Nawe, was an influential figure whose contributions to the world of broadcasting were exceptional.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, also expressed her deep sympathy to Mchunu’s family in this hour of grief. She further appealed to the people of KwaZulu-Natal to offer their prayers and support to his family members, friends, and colleagues at Ukhozi FM.
Dube-Ncube paid tribute to Mchunu as a personality who was much more than a presenter. She recognized him as a storyteller, a music lover, and a unifying figure who effectively bridged communities. His show Sigiya Ngengoma paid a vibrant homage to Zulu culture with its stirring rhythms, while his late-night show, Sibhukuda Kwesimanzozo, provided soothing companionship during the serene hours.
Other Condolences and Losses
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), another significant party in KwaZulu-Natal, also conveyed their condolences to Mchunu’s family and to the listeners of Ukhozi FM. Their message of sympathy underscored the shared sense of loss for a beloved radio personality.
The untimely demise of Mchunu is part of a distressing trend at Ukhozi FM, which has recently witnessed the loss of several high-profile presenters. Mchunu’s death followed the passing of another esteemed presenter, Xolile Irvin Sihlophe, just a few months earlier. Sihlophe, a sports show host and producer, tragically passed away after suffering two consecutive strokes in November 2023. In June 2022, the radio station mourned the death of Scelo Mbokazi, another iconic presenter, who succumbed to health-related issues.
The Unforgotten Legacy
While Ukhozi FM continues to grieve the loss of these adored presenters, their dedication and love for radio broadcasting continue to reverberate in the hearts of the listeners. The enduring legacy they’ve left behind stands as a testament to their passion for their craft and unwavering commitment to their audience.
1. Who was Bheka Mchunu?
Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu was a renowned radio presenter with Ukhozi FM in KwaZulu-Natal. He was the founder of KZN Matric Excellence and his enchanting voice earned him a prominent place in many households.
2. What was the cause of Bheka Mchunu’s death?
Bheka Mchunu passed away suddenly, and the cause of his death has not been disclosed.
3. What was Bheka Mchunu’s role in the community?
Bheka Mchunu was known for bringing together various communities across the area with his enchanting voice and appeal. He was also the founder of KZN Matric Excellence, an organization that played a significant role in the local community.
4. Who has expressed condolences over Bheka Mchunu’s passing?
ANC KZN and KwaZulu-Natal’s Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, have expressed their deep sympathy to Bheka Mchunu’s family in this hour of grief. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) also conveyed their condolences to Mchunu’s family and to the listeners of Ukhozi FM.
5. Has Ukhozi FM witnessed the loss of other high-profile presenters recently?
Yes, Ukhozi FM has recently witnessed the loss of several high-profile presenters. Bheka Mchunu’s death followed the passing of another esteemed presenter, Xolile Irvin Sihlophe, just a few months earlier. In June 2022, the radio station mourned the death of Scelo Mbokazi, another iconic presenter.
6. What is the enduring legacy of these presenters?
The enduring legacy of these presenters stands as a testament to their passion for their craft and unwavering commitment to their audience. Their dedication and love for radio broadcasting continue to reverberate in the hearts of the listeners.
