A memorial service was held at the Mbabane Alliance Church for Bongani 'Bobo' Dlamini, a broadcaster at Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS), who passed away after living for 11 months with an illness that doctors had given him only six months to live with. His wife, Thando, delivered an emotional tribute, describing the past 11 months as the most challenging chapter of their journey. The family remembered him as a fighter, a loving husband, father, and friend.
Bobo's wife, Thando, met him when she was 15 years old, and they married on January 1, 2017. She described their relationship as built on humility and mutual respect, with Bobo being her best friend, confidante, protector, and provider. He loved his family proudly and openly, and his colleagues at EBIS also acknowledged his love for his family. EBIS Director Sabelo Dlamini assured the bereaved family that the station would continue to support them.
The tribute to Bobo was not limited to his family, as colleagues and industry stakeholders also remembered him for his contributions to the local creative industry. He was an ideas man, an innovator, and a passionate advocate for the development of local talent. Bobo's broadcasting journey began as an intern at EBIS, where he demonstrated an understanding of what listeners wanted and constantly challenged himself to improve their experience.
One of Bobo's notable initiatives was bringing a live band to perform inside the studio, a first of its kind. He was also keen to advance his academic qualifications, having expressed his intention to pursue a Master's degree. His most enduring contribution was his work in promoting local music and developing the entertainment industry. Lindelwa Mafa recalled how Bobo helped make local music fashionable during prime-time radio programming.
Bobo's influence extended beyond broadcasting to the development of the industry. According to Arts and Culture Council CEO representative Thami Ndlovu, the existence of an association for DJs was linked to Bobo's influence. He was instrumental in nurturing talent and developing structures within the entertainment fraternity. Mega Sounds Events representative Samkelo Zulu described the organisation as Bobo's baby, saying he had groomed and mentored those who were part of it.
Bobo's friend and fellow broadcaster Bongani Dube, popularly known as 'Thiza Lami', said he had known Bobo for approximately 20 years. Their friendship began through music reviews before they worked together on the programme Top 20, which they later rebranded as Eswatini Top 20. Dube said Bobo's contribution to the media and arts industry was significant, adding that his influence could be seen in the number of people who came forward to share how he had impacted their lives.
In memory of her husband, Thando plans to establish the Mshina Kalova Arts Foundation, which will seek to preserve Bobo's legacy and promote local creatives. The foundation will provide opportunities for emerging talent and continue Bobo's work in nurturing local talent. His children, Sizolwethu, Ayabonga, and Sphe, will carry the memories of their father, who taught them not to settle for less and brought them up to become geniuses.
Key points
- Bobo defied a six-month life expectancy to live for 11 months with an illness.
- His wife plans to establish the Mshina Kalova Arts Foundation in his memory.
- Bobo was a passionate advocate for the development of the local creative industry.
Reporting sources
- ‘He had 6 months to live, he pushed to 11’ · Swazi Observer
