Yfm DJ Fana “Khabzela” Khaba died of an Aids-related disease on Wednesday.
Khabzela, as he was affectionately known, died at the Johannesburg General hospital where he had been receiving treatment since December 26, a day after a Christmas party in his honour at Who Zoo nightclub in Midrand raised R48Â 000 for his medical expenses.
“We got a call at roundabout lunchtime,” said Yfm public relations officer Dineo Mahloele.
On May 16 last year, Khabzela had — in a move that surprised the nation — announced his HIV-status on air during a mid-morning radio show he co-hosted with Dreshni “Dre” Pillay.
He had since been giving motivational talks to the South African youth and continued to inspire many with his talks.
“This is a big loss to [the] Yfm family and its listeners,” said saddened Yfm station manager Greg Maloka.
“Fana is a prime example of someone who made something out of his life from nothing and whom we should all strive to emulate. He taught most of us — colleagues and listeners — that life is important and now that he’s gone, it is up to us to complete what he started,” said Maloka.
Khabzela worked as a taxi driver before shooting to fame with the Gauteng youth station. He started with the weekend show The Jam Shack in 1999, which became the most listened-to show on the station. He also worked as Yfm’s breakfast host.
He was 35 years at the time of his death.
On the net: www.yfm.co.za