Tributes Pour in for Vuyo Mbuli
Johannesburg – Tributes have been pouring in for SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli who passes away on Saturday night.
The SABC reported that Mbuli, 46, collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night.
He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in Bloemfontein, where he later died.
President Jacob Zuma praised Mbuli’s contribution and said his death was a loss to the nation.
“It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo,” Zuma said in a statement.
“He was always cheerful and the whole nation will miss his smile and encouraging words.
“I wish to express, on behalf of the government and the entire South African population, our words of condolence to the Mbuli family, friends and the South African Broadcasting Corporation.”
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was in London, paid tribute to Mbuli as a “constantly reassuring presence on our television screens over two tumultuous decades”.
“With gentle and genteel style, perfectly suited to morning television and radio, his was for many people the first and most trusted analysis of the daily news,” Tutu said in a statement.
Former 2010 Fifa World Cup local organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan said he was shocked by Mbuli’s sudden death.
“We have worked with Vuyo on many occasions while bidding and during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
“He always displayed greatest professionalism in everything he did,” Jordaan said.
The South African National Editors’ Forum said it was deeply saddened by the loss of the “much-loved and respected journalist”.
Chairman Nic Dawes said: “He was also known for his hard work, dedication and an ability to keep his cool under pressure.”
South African Human Rights Commission spokesman Isaac Mangena said Mbuli left a legacy of journalistic integrity that established him as a legend of the media industry.
“As a veteran journalist and commentator, Mr Mbuli was always committed to creating a platform for discussion and debate on difficult human rights issues facing our country.”
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