Remembering Bob Mabena's life in 20 pictures

11 August 2020 - 09:54
By kyle zeeman AND Kyle Zeeman
Bob Mabena's career spanned over three decades.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media24 Bob Mabena's career spanned over three decades.

With a career spanning more than 30 years in radio and television, Bob Mabena has been an inspiration to young broadcasters and will be remembered through his lasting legacy. 

“It is with deep grief and pain that we announce that POWER 98.7 Breakfast Host, Mr Bob Mabena passed away this afternoon, Monday 10 August 2020, from cardiac arrest,” a statement confirming his death read. 

Bob captured Mzansi's heart ever since he took over the coveted Radio Bop afternoon drive show in 1989 at the age of 19.

He went on to work at Metro FM, Kaya FM, Highveld Stereo and at the time of his death at POWER 98.7.

The legendary broadcaster also hosted several major TV shows, including On the Beat, Surf Pick a Box and the popular Studio Mix.

Last year he and Melanie Bala co-presented the SA Music Awards and took fans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. 

Besides his work on TV and radio, Bob filled dance floors with his music, lit up the red carpet at events and shared wisdom as a motivational speaker.

Here's a look back at Bob Mabena's life in the spotlight:

1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
3 October 2006. Bad Boy T, Vusi Leeuw and Bob Mabena at the listening session of Skwatta Kamp's new album at Capello in Newtown.
Image: True Love/ Gallo Images 3 October 2006. Bad Boy T, Vusi Leeuw and Bob Mabena at the listening session of Skwatta Kamp's new album at Capello in Newtown.
1 June 2019. Melanie Bala and Bob Mabena during the 25th annual South African Music Awards (SAMA 25) at Sun City.
Image: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu 1 June 2019. Melanie Bala and Bob Mabena during the 25th annual South African Music Awards (SAMA 25) at Sun City.
November 2007. Radio personality and DJ, Bob Mabena, with television presenter Melanie Son.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 November 2007. Radio personality and DJ, Bob Mabena, with television presenter Melanie Son.
28 October 2010. KB Motsilanyane, Bob Mabena and Zonke at the Kaya FM party, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Image: Gallo Images/Drum/Oupa Bopape 28 October 2010. KB Motsilanyane, Bob Mabena and Zonke at the Kaya FM party, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
26 August 2010. USA Jazz legend Harvey Mason speaks to radio legend Bob Mabena during the Standard Bank Unplugged Joy of Jazz.
Image: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images 26 August 2010. USA Jazz legend Harvey Mason speaks to radio legend Bob Mabena during the Standard Bank Unplugged Joy of Jazz.
23 June 2005. Patrice Motsepe and MC Bob Mabena during the announcement by Mamelodi Sundowns of new sponsor MTN at Lanseria, near Johannesburg.
Image: Lefty Shivambu \ Gallo Images 23 June 2005. Patrice Motsepe and MC Bob Mabena during the announcement by Mamelodi Sundowns of new sponsor MTN at Lanseria, near Johannesburg.
1997. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 1997. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
15 April 2010: Bob Mabena and his girlfriend Zandi Nhlapo attend the farewell party held for Kaya FM's Lawrence Dube which was held for him at fancy Italian eatery La Toscana in Monte casino in Johannesburg.
Image: Gallo Images/Drum/Tumelo Leburu 15 April 2010: Bob Mabena and his girlfriend Zandi Nhlapo attend the farewell party held for Kaya FM's Lawrence Dube which was held for him at fancy Italian eatery La Toscana in Monte casino in Johannesburg.
1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
14 April 2012. Bob Mabena at the MTN Radio awards at a gala banquet at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Image: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Vathiswa Ruselo 14 April 2012. Bob Mabena at the MTN Radio awards at a gala banquet at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
1 December 2019. Bob Mabena and his daughter at the GQ Man of the Year 2019 at The Houghton Hotel.
Image: Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape 1 December 2019. Bob Mabena and his daughter at the GQ Man of the Year 2019 at The Houghton Hotel.
October 2006. South African soccer player Brian Baloyi, deejays Bob Mabena and DJ Cleo at a CD listening session.
Image: Papi Morake/ Gallo Images October 2006. South African soccer player Brian Baloyi, deejays Bob Mabena and DJ Cleo at a CD listening session.
7 March 2015: Bob Mabena and his wife Eucharist Hadebe at their traditional wedding ceremony.
Image: Sunday Sun / Trevor Kunene 7 March 2015: Bob Mabena and his wife Eucharist Hadebe at their traditional wedding ceremony.
1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
19 June 2014. Bob Mabena during the memorial service of Metro FM presenter Eddie Makhosonke Zondi at the Standard Bank Arena.
Image: Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Trevor Kunene 19 June 2014. Bob Mabena during the memorial service of Metro FM presenter Eddie Makhosonke Zondi at the Standard Bank Arena.
1 March 2013. Bob Mabena at the Student Sponsorship Programme gala dinner.
Image: Gallo Images / City Press / Leon Sadiki 1 March 2013. Bob Mabena at the Student Sponsorship Programme gala dinner.
1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
Image: Gallo Images/ Media 24 1999. South African DJ Bob Mabena.
13 April 2013. Bob Mabena and Kuli Roberts at the MTN Radio Awards.
Image: Gallo Images / City Press / Leon Sadiki 13 April 2013. Bob Mabena and Kuli Roberts at the MTN Radio Awards.
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