Fana “Khabzela” Khaba was born in Emdeni, Soweto on December 12 1968. Â
He worked as a taxi driver in Soweto and as a cleaner at a record storage company before joining Jozi FM (then Soweto Community Radio) as a DJ in 1995. Khabzela shot to fame in 1999 as the host of the weekend show Jam Shack on Gauteng youth station Yfm.
It soon became the most popular show on the station. Khabzela was proud of where he came from and used township slang and his experiences as a taxi driver to identify with his audience. He had a reputation for dealing politely and patiently with abusive callers who ridiculed him about his humble roots.
One of Khabzela’s major achievements was founding the Positive Youth in Gauteng project in 2000, aimed at inspiring young people to reach their potential.
He was known for his strong messages against crime and drugs, and his frank approach to issues around HIV and safe sex.
In 2000 he went on to host Yfm’s breakfast show, before teaming up with Dreshni Pillay to host DK@Y in the mid-morning slot. In May 2003 he shocked the nation by announcing that he was HIV-positive, prompting a massive outpouring of support from listeners. His condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing him to abandon his radio slot. He quickly became an icon for South Africans either affected or infected by HIV/Aids. Despite his illness he continued giving motivational talks to the youth.
On Wednesday Khabzela died of an Aids-related illness at the Johannesburg General hospital, where he had been admitted on December 26.
He is survived by his mother, his fiancée and four children.
Mmanaledi Mataboge
Fana “Khabzela” Khaba born September 12 1968; died January 14 2004