Mbhokane is dead

MBABANE – Ludzidzini Governor and ‘Khalamd-umbadumbane’ radio programme host, Jim Gama, has died after a lengthy sickness.

Mbhokane, as he was mostly referred to, is said to have succumbed to death in a South African clinic yesterday.

He fell sick in 2009 after collapsing at his workplace and was later diagnosed as having suffered a stroke.

He however did not recover and in various interviews stated that he believed his sickness was traditional.

Many people preferred not to comment on his death as the news spread from yesterday afternoon amid reports that last week he had lost his speech.

One of his sons, Malungisa, however, confirmed the death.

"It’s true that my father has passed away. I have received the sad news today (yesterday). However, I am not in a position to give you more details about the death," said Malungisa.

July Gama, an uncle to Malungisa, said he would only be able to comment today afternoon.

"At the moment, I cannot say anything. Please call me tomorrow where I will give a full comment on what you are asking me about," said July.

Acting Ludzidzini governor, Timothy Velapho Mtetwa, when drawn for comment, was also numb. He asked not to comment citing that the news had not been reported to royalty.

"For now I cannot comment bukhosi busengakatiswa (royalty has not been informed)," Mtetwa begged.

Sigcokosiyancinca Dlamini, Mbhokane’s former co-presenter in the Khalamdumbadumbane programme, had also refused to comment about the death. He said, "I have not received such news and if what you are saying is true, I am expecting the Gama family to relay such news. For now, what I know is that Mbhokane is still being treated in a South African clinic."

However, Hlane Member of Parliament, Mduduzi Magagula, also confirmed receiving the sad news about Mbhokane’s death. He said, "I have just spoken to a family member who broke the sad news to me and as the Hlane community, we are at great loss," the MP said.

"In fact, the whole country is at a great loss especially because Gama traditionally contributed immensely in advising and giving way to most families in the country. The role he played was very effective resulting to many people learning and at the same time receiving counsel on Swazi culture," Magagula said.

The late Gama shot to fame in the early 80s while hosting his radio programme which was favoured by many ‘Khalamdumbadumbane’. In the year 2 000, he was appointed as Ludzidzini Governor. Among his duties, Gama was Chairman of the Ludzidzini Council.

Rest in peace Mbhokane, the nation is really suffered a great loss.
Mar 14, 2011, 4:01 PM, Mr Que (du@yahoo.com)

Awu! bekunene sesitawutsini-ke manje ngakhalamdumbadumbane, cha bekunene kubonakele ngekutsatsa sikhatsi kugula kungabi namehluko kutsi kona kune kisitsa; setsemba kum Mdali longahlulwa lutfo kutsi utawupholisa emanceba kubo ba Gama nesive sonkhe, alwehlanga lolungeahlanga God Gives and He has taken, asibonge ligama lakhe. May his soul rest in peace wa Mbhokane till we meet again. We hope there is no one behind his death except the killer devil (satan).
Mar 14, 2011, 1:09 PM, Mehlwengwadla Nkonyane ---Mahikeng 2735 (mduduzi78@yahoo.com)

Rest in peace Mbhokane. You were a great asset to the country.
Mar 14, 2011, 1:06 PM, sandile (sandiswa28@ovi.com)

We are on the losing side Maswati lamahle. Losing babe Gama shows that we are on the losing side. Lets hope another Jim Gama will resurrect. R.I.P Babe Gama
Mar 14, 2011, 1:04 PM, Thabiso Masuku (smisolangwenya@gmail.com)

I am a Progressive who loved Mbhokane to bits! We have lost a true son of the land. I was fond of him because he was consistent and he was not two-faced. He was what he was, and he was not ashamed about it. He was real to himself and to others. However, I am ashamed at the treatment he received from the System. His death has exposed how autrocious the Tinkhundla system can be to its own people. He was abandoned immediately the day he ceased to be useful, and that my friends, is shameful. This man was respected enough to earn the name Umngani wemaKhosi. Is this how we treat bangani beSilo bekunene? We must ask God's forgiveness and repent.
Mar 14, 2011, 12:55 PM, Gerry (gerry@gmail.com)

Akalalengoxolo waMbokane. He will be greatly missed especialy for his agressive yet spot on advice he gave on Khalamdumbadumbane and Sitsini SiSwati!! Kubuhlungu!!
Mar 14, 2011, 12:38 PM, Immalite (immalite@ymail.com)

Mhlabatsi kawunoni!!!
Mar 14, 2011, 12:06 PM, Henry (henry@yahoo.com)

Rest in peace sbali we will mis u
Mar 14, 2011, 12:01 PM, Malume28 (malume28@yahoo.com)

Shem ngalomngani wemakhosi.Anyway like one singer said noma angafa emajaha imisebenti yawo iyosala. Rest in peace Mbhokane,you made your mark in this world.
Mar 14, 2011, 11:48 AM, Popcon (pqmamba@gmail.com)

What a great loss for the country. I just hope the authorites and the people of Eswatini will give this here our hero the farewell he so richly deserves.
Mar 14, 2011, 11:29 AM, Lord Brass (brassndlangamandla@rocketmail.com)

Mhlaba ngiyakwesaba . Mhlaba solo kawunoni? sewusimukile lelinye lichawe. Madvudvu boMbhokane
Mar 14, 2011, 10:45 AM, ND

My heart felt condolences to the Gama family for losing the Head of the Family in Jim`s calibre.In fact the whole nation has lost an information source in terms of traditional issues.To Lomudze Welive, we thank you for the role you played in ensuring that Gama get the best treatment ever.
Mar 14, 2011, 10:23 AM, Dalton Nhlabatsi (sbudda.ntini.dalt@gmail.com)

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