NJHAKANJHAKA: On Saturday, the Xitsonga-speaking community, media representatives, friends, and family convened at Njhakanjhaka Village near Giyani to pay tribute to the late veteran Munghana Lonene FM presenter and producer Tiveka Foster “Mafosi – Try by Force” Chauke.
Chauke, aged 49, passed away last week due to a car accident on the N1 close to Bandelierkop. His demise has left his wife, four children, colleagues, and countless listeners grieving the loss of a beloved presence in broadcasting.
The service took place at the Calvary Revival Centre in Njhakanjhaka, Bungeni, where attendees came together to honor a broadcaster who devoted a significant part of his life to celebrating Xitsonga language, music, and heritage.
Listeners widely recognized Mafosi through the program “Timintsu Ta Xitsonga” on Munghana Lonene FM.
Prior to his tenure at the SABC station, he built his career at Giyani Community Radio and Vision FM, earning a devoted audience among the Xitsonga-speaking population.
His passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from various political and community groups.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement honored Chauke as a dynamic broadcaster who significantly contributed to the advancement of Xitsonga culture. National spokesperson Sydney Baloyi, a former associate of Mafosi, reflected on him as a cheerful and generous individual.
Chauke’s impact reached far beyond the airwaves. Friends, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and notable figures came together to support his family, with a fundraising effort totaling R82,900 prior to the funeral. Contributions included R10,000 each from Vhembe District Municipality Executive Mayor Miyelani “Ma Banana” Chauke and businessman Howard Mashaba.
The Executive Mayor remembered him as an exceptional communicator and a remarkable human being, recognized for the profound ways he affected lives through his work and innate ability to engage with people.
This funeral followed a memorial service organized by Munghana Lonene FM in Polokwane on Friday, where former coworkers, friends, and family gathered to honor his legacy and impact in broadcasting.
As attendees came together for his final farewell, Chauke was celebrated not only as a radio figure but also as a dedicated promoter of Xitsonga culture. His voice served to unite communities through music, language, and narrative.
