It means that even though Mbuli was blessed with good looks, was sophisticated and part of the black elite that gained prominence and a grander social standing after 1994, he never forgot his humble beginnings.
Sello Molefe, a media practitioner who grew up with Mbuli in Pimville, Soweto, said that though Mbuli came from a relatively modest family,
he pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become one of the most influential South Africans on radio and television.
“From an early age, he was an enterprising person. Before the fame, he was a sbayisane, or hawker. He sold vegetables to supplement his teachers’ salary because he wanted to become a lawyer. He was a great debater and understood issues even at a young age,” said Molefe.
“During the preppy 1980s, we hung out together at the Pimville Youth Club, where we did ballroom dancing and the cha-cha-cha. He was always well dressed and got more beautiful girls than all of us.”
Molefe said that although Mbuli hosted grand parties at his fancy mansion in Houghton, Johannesburg, with celebrities such as former radio presenter Putco Mafani, businessman Saki Macozoma and the former president of Cricket SA, Mtutuzeli Nyoka, he hated the bogus celebrity culture and preferred to be seen as mjita.
“He was against social elitism and preferred to be seen as an ordinary township boy. When he came to the township on weekends, he never looked down upon those beneath his social status and mixed freely with everyone,” said Molefe.
Disarming weapons
Bursting with restlessness and adrenaline-fueled excellence, Mbuli endeared himself to millions of radio and television viewers with his unique presenting style and charisma on the SABC’s breakfast show Morning Live, which he co-hosted with Leanne Manas.
Unlike controversial television journalist Deborah Patta, he did not badger interviewees, but always managed to extract as much information as possible without resorting to arrogance or condescension.
One of his disarming weapons during interviews was his self-deprecating humour, multilingualism and a humble attitude.
It is almost impossible to imagine the programme without him.
He added millions in revenue to the programme, plenty of interviews with political heavyweights and humour, including his signing off words: “Sharp sharp, mintiro ya vula vula, heita daar”.
Mbuli, who turned 46 this month, died of a pulmonary embolism after he collapsed while watching the Cheetahs’ Super Rugby match against the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night.
He was taken to the Mediclinic Hospital in Bloemfontein, where he died.
The news of his death triggered an instant outpouring of grief and emotion, from suburbs to shack settlements across South Africa.
All commentators had sad, sweet words for the fallen broadcasting personality, who unreservedly joins the pantheon of legendary radio and TV presenters like Justus Tshungu, Cyril Kansas Mchunu and Riaan Cruywagen.
It came as no surprise that Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane declared an official funeral for Mbuli, who was, by common consent, larger than life.
“I feel like I’ve lost my morning husband. It’s very sad,” said Mbuli’s co-host Leanne Manas.
President Jacob Zuma, in his tribute to Mbuli, said: “It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo.
“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 SABC.”
While Mbuli excelled at his career as a broadcaster, he also had his fair share of knocks.
A few years ago, he separated from his wife of 16 years, Savita. They had two teenage children.
In 2009, Mbuli faced assault charges after he was found with the girlfriend of a man, Pat Legwabe, at their home in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg.
Mbuli will be buried on Friday at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.