News of Mchunu’s passing was shared on Tuesday night by various accounts on social media, including his friend and former Ukhozi FM presenter Linda Sibiya.
“To Ukhozi fm listeners, Mchunu family and friends: Losing my brother and friend is painful to me and my family. May Macingwane rest in peace. I will pay my respects should the opportunity arise,” Sibiya captioned a video of Mchunu on X.
According to iReport South Africa, a close friend also confirmed the radio host’s death. The source revealed that Mchunu passed away in hospital on Tuesday night.
“It’s tragic news, as you would understand. Everyone is still in shock. But I prefer that you speak to the family. They should be the ones who break the news to you. A person’s death is sensitive. As you would know in our culture as Africans,” he explained.
ONGOING ILLNESS
Mchunu had been dealing with an undisclosed illness for many years. In 2021, he had to be pulled off air after he collapsed during a show. Thereafter, he spent weeks in hospital.
In 2022, he fell ill whilst in studio and could not complete his show.
At the time, Mchunu told the publication that he was looking for the best traditional healers to help him as doctors had been unsuccessful.
“I think it is no longer just a normal illness but I’m recovering well at my place here in Durban. My brother is trying everything to get me the best traditional healer to deal with this directly. I have tried many doctors and they don’t see anything wrong.”
WHO WAS BHEKA MCHUNU?
Mchunu was born in Dondotha, in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. He completed his National Diploma in Language Practice at the Durban University of Technology.
His radio career began at Durban Youth Radio. He then moved to another community radio station, Izwi Lomzansi, before joining Ukhozi FM where he hosted the maskandi show, Sigiya Ngengoma, as well as Sibhukuda Kwesimanzonzo.
“His concerns for gaps in rural and urban education pushed him to start KZN Matric Excellence a matric rewriting center allowing those matriculants wanting to improve their chances of access to tertiary; he is a founder and CEO,” according to the Ukhozi FM website.