Our mornings will never be the same without Mbuli: Pule



Friday 24 May 2013 15:24

Sthembiso Sithole

Vuyo Mbuli’s wife Savita and their children Siphosihle,
Sithenkosi at Mbuli’s funeral service
at St. Johns College. (Sthembiso Sithole)



Communications Minister Dina Pule was among those who paid homage to late renowned radio and TV presenter Vuyo Mbuli.  Speaking at the funeral service held at St. Johns College in Houghton, Pule said it is difficult to come to terms to the fact that Mbuli has passed away. 

"South Africans loved him (Vuyo Mbuli). He was a journalist that was needed. He was a mentor to many young producers and journalists. Our mornings will never be the same again."

After giving her speech, Pule asked SABC board members to name the new SABC studios after Mbuli.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said: "Vuyo Mbuli played a huge role in media industry. He maintained his professionalism all the time. He made every guest comfortable both on Morning Live and on his radio show on SAFM."

Mbuli's children Siphosihle and Sithenkosi described their father as a cool dad. "Our father was always there for us. He was a cool dad. We will always miss him."

Mbuli's sister Denice Motha said: "He taught us a lot as his sisters and family. He inspired us to be better people. We will miss our brother."

Mbuli died after collapsing while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium last weekend.

Morning Live co-anchor, Leanne Manas, said it had been one of the hardest weeks of her life and that this is the first week in nine years that she had been without Mbuli. The emotional but composed Mannas spoke of how she made magic every day for two hours with her friend and mentor.

Hundreds of mourners ranging from government officials, business people, journalists and ordinary South Africans turned out in their numbers to bid farewell to Mbuli. Tears of joy and cerebration fell when gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane performed his song titled "Kulungile".

Mbuli died after collapsing while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium last weekend.

This article appeared at SABCNews online.