Popular radio DJ Saba Mbixane’s grief stricken family said they had accepted “God’s will” following his death yesterday.
Mbixane’s uncle Sidima said his nephew had finally succumbed to his severe head injuries and “while the wound is very deep, we cannot shy away from reality”.
“Yes, it is so. He has died,” said an emotional Sidima. “It’s very bad.”
Mbixane’s wife and children visited the hospital on receiving the news that the multi-award winning Umhlobo Wenene fm presenter had died at 8.40am yesterday.
“They have accepted what has happened although it is very sad,” said Sidima, adding that a postmortem would reveal further details about the cause of death. “The doctors did not go into detail but as someone who was on life support (machines) it is clear that his organs gave up.”
Sidima thanked everyone for their messages of support and prayers during Mbixane’s stay in hospital.
“He did not only belong to us but to everyone. God has decided that Saba is no longer ours but belongs to Him. His time has arrived.
“Let’s release his spirit,” he said.
Mbixane’s death came 17 days after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Nelson Mandela Central Hospital (NMCH) earlier this month.
He was declared brain-dead and placed on life support machines after suffering head injuries following a motorbike accident while travelling on a dirt road between Cabazi and Zihlahleni villages outside Mt Frere on February 9.
An eyewitness, Zodumo Mfazwe, 34, said Mbixane was possibly trying to avoid low-flying vultures when he lost control of his bike.
Mbixane, an avid crop and animal farmer, was initially admitted to the Madzikane kaZulu Hospital before an Emergency Medical Services helicopter flew him to NMCH.
At the time of his death, Mbixane was under 24-hour observation and being treated by a team of seven specialists, including a neurosurgeon.
Sidima said he would discuss funeral details with the family and these would be announced at an appropriate time.
Health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said doctors had tried their best to save Mbixane but “the extent and nature of his injuries, from day one, were very severe”.
Kupelo said NMCH would assist Mbixane’s family in every way. “We will be guided by the wishes of the family.”
Umhlobo Wenene fm station manager Phumzile Mnci said they were deeply saddened by the loss of a “giant of the airwaves”. He said Mbixane had united the nation through traditional music, which was once regarded as “backward”.
“Radio will never be the same again. He has done his job,” said Mnci.
Wandile Ngceba, an avid listener and fan of “Zaw Zaw” – as Mbixane was fondly known – echoed Mnci.
“Our hearts are heavy and his legacy will remain in our hearts.”
Earlier this week Umhlobo Wenene fm regional manager Zola Yeye led a delegation of officials and colleagues to visit Mbixane. Former health MEC Dr Bevan Goqwana also visited Mbixane last week on Saturday.
Mbixane will be buried in his home village, Mandileni, outside Mount Frere. He is survived by his mother, wife, brother, three sisters and four children.
Saba dies from injuries
Mbixane’s uncle Sidima said his nephew had finally succumbed to his severe head injuries and “while the wound is very deep, we cannot shy away from reality”.
“Yes, it is so. He has died,” said an emotional Sidima. “It’s very bad.”
Mbixane’s wife and children visited the hospital on receiving the news that the multi-award winning Umhlobo Wenene fm presenter had died at 8.40am yesterday.
“They have accepted what has happened although it is very sad,” said Sidima, adding that a postmortem would reveal further details about the cause of death. “The doctors did not go into detail but as someone who was on life support (machines) it is clear that his organs gave up.”
Sidima thanked everyone for their messages of support and prayers during Mbixane’s stay in hospital.
“He did not only belong to us but to everyone. God has decided that Saba is no longer ours but belongs to Him. His time has arrived.
“Let’s release his spirit,” he said.
Mbixane’s death came 17 days after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Nelson Mandela Central Hospital (NMCH) earlier this month.
He was declared brain-dead and placed on life support machines after suffering head injuries following a motorbike accident while travelling on a dirt road between Cabazi and Zihlahleni villages outside Mt Frere on February 9.
An eyewitness, Zodumo Mfazwe, 34, said Mbixane was possibly trying to avoid low-flying vultures when he lost control of his bike.
Mbixane, an avid crop and animal farmer, was initially admitted to the Madzikane kaZulu Hospital before an Emergency Medical Services helicopter flew him to NMCH.
At the time of his death, Mbixane was under 24-hour observation and being treated by a team of seven specialists, including a neurosurgeon.
Sidima said he would discuss funeral details with the family and these would be announced at an appropriate time.
Health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said doctors had tried their best to save Mbixane but “the extent and nature of his injuries, from day one, were very severe”.
Kupelo said NMCH would assist Mbixane’s family in every way. “We will be guided by the wishes of the family.”
Umhlobo Wenene fm station manager Phumzile Mnci said they were deeply saddened by the loss of a “giant of the airwaves”. He said Mbixane had united the nation through traditional music, which was once regarded as “backward”.
“Radio will never be the same again. He has done his job,” said Mnci.
Wandile Ngceba, an avid listener and fan of “Zaw Zaw” – as Mbixane was fondly known – echoed Mnci.
“Our hearts are heavy and his legacy will remain in our hearts.”
Earlier this week Umhlobo Wenene fm regional manager Zola Yeye led a delegation of officials and colleagues to visit Mbixane. Former health MEC Dr Bevan Goqwana also visited Mbixane last week on Saturday.
Mbixane will be buried in his home village, Mandileni, outside Mount Frere. He is survived by his mother, wife, brother, three sisters and four children.
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