Mbhokane' will be buried on Saturday

MBABANE – The late Ludzidzini Governor, Jim Gama, will be buried this Saturday.

The Khalamdumbadumbane radio host will be buried at his homestead at Malindza and a vigil will be held on Friday, starting at 8pm. A death notice was issued yesterday by the deceased’s brother July Gama, on behalf of the Gama family. Acting Ludzidzini Governor Timothy Velabo Mtetwa said on Monday he formally communicated the news of Gama’s demise to the King who passed on his condolences to the Gama family.

"The monarchy noted that the loss of someone of Mbhokane’s calibre was a huge one as he was very knowledgeable on cultural issues and therefore was saddened by it," he said.

He said by yesterday he heard that plans were being made to transport the body back to the country.

‘Mbhokane’ as he was referred to, succumbed to death on Sunday morning in a South African clinic where he had been admitted since January. He met his death while in a coma for three weeks. Gama suffered two strokes last year, resulting to his health condition deteriorating. In October 2009, he collapsed at his workplace at the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services. Gama had gone to the station to record one of his programmes Khalamdumbadu-mbane. He was rushed to the Mbabane Clinic where doctors said he suffered a stroke. Since then Gama had been in and out of hospital. It was only last year that he said his sickness was traditionally.

The Ludzidzini governor was admired by many for his love of Swazi culture and his no-nonsense approach to women who were against some of the Swazi traditions.

He was sometimes referred as traditional prime minister as he worked very closely with the monarch. The deceased was a very influential traditionalist who also used his radio programmes; Nasike siSwati, Inhlonipho and Khalamdu-mbadumbane, to educate and solve problems for many Swazis. Those who learned from him have different stories to tell on how the man traditionally facilitated change in the lives.

His demise has left pain to everyone and the royal household as well.

Allow me a space to humbly pass my condolences to the Gama family. Thank you for allowing Mbhokane to change the nations lives. The country has lost an icon. Though a South African I knew and repeated the man for the knowledge he had and I must say I learnt from him during my stay in your country. May his soul rest in peace
Mar 16, 2011, 6:36 AM, Nomahlubi (nomahlubi2007@yahoo.com)

Thank you for you space Mr editor, sadly death finally took our culture source, the man who kept us on track as far as morals were concerned but we hope that God wont leave us without a Joshua for today....
Mar 16, 2011, 3:24 PM, Vuyo Dlamini (ngwane07@gmail.com)

Makalale ngekuthula waMbhokane. Kubuhlungu kakhulu lokusehlele ka-Ngwane. Shengatsi labo labamunye lwati kabanti kuye bangachubekisa lendzima kute kutsi live nesive semaswati sichubeke sifundziseke njengoba entile wa-Gama. I believe the ball is in your court S'gcoko, nalabanye.
Mar 16, 2011, 9:28 AM, Mandla Mhlongo wa-Rasimphi (rasimphi@mweb.co.za)

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