Former Ukhozi FM presenter Mandla 'Njinji' Magwaza dies at 42
Former Ukhozi FM presenter Mandla “Njinji” Magwaza who passed away at the weekend after a short illness.
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The death of former Ukhozi FM presenter Mandla “Njinji” Magwaza, who passed away on Saturday following a short illness, has sent shockwaves through the broadcasting and entertainment industry.
Magwaza, 42, resigned from Ukhozi FM in 2024. He was a long-serving technical producer and the official promotions voice of the station, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures behind the scenes at the broadcaster.
His death was confirmed by his family in a statement.
“The Magwaza family is saddened to announce the passing of their son, brother, father and family member, Mandla ‘Njinji’ Magwaza, born on December 8, 1984,” the statement read.
The family appealed for privacy during this difficult time and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences.
Magwaza’s passing has come as a shock to many, particularly as he was one of the programme directors of the Last Dance Music Festival held in Pietermaritzburg on New Year’s Eve. He also previously presented Ukhozi FM’s Top 20 show on Saturdays.
Ukhozi FM presenter Lucky Nkosi described Magwaza’s death as deeply painful.
“I spent time with him in December and got to know his sister, his children and his home. All of this happened after he had left Ukhozi FM. It is really painful, especially when you think about his young children, as he was the family’s hope,” Nkosi said.
Nkosi also appealed to the public not to link Magwaza’s death to the radio station.
“It is sad watching people commenting about his death and linking it with the station. A person belongs to God. If he has not willed it, even hitmen and witches fail,” he said.
“I appeal to people to stop writing about Ukhozi FM and death. How does that help the family? There are many good things we can say about Njinji to honour him. Let us focus on that.”
The radio station has in the recent past lost a lot of presenters who passed away which fuelled some unsavoury conspiracies on social media.
Veteran broadcaster Linda “Mr Magic” Sibiya said Magwaza was his technical producer when he first joined Ukhozi FM and had a significant influence on many presenters.
“When I looked at him, BK Mchunu and Tshatha, they are presenters I had a lot of influence in their work. When such a young talent with so much potential departs at such an early age, it is truly painful,” Sibiya said.
Sibiya described Magwaza as an exceptional sound engineer and creative force.
“Nobody had an ear like him. Even when Felix Hlophe was still a prank caller, Njinji was the one providing background sound. To me, the best three best technical producers are Njinji, Sandile Mdlalose and DJ Sgqemeza. Njinji could create any sound,” he said.
Dudu “Lady D” Khoza, who worked closely with Magwaza for many years, paid a brief but heartfelt tribute, saying: “Only God knows my Njinji.”
The family said details regarding the memorial and funeral services will be communicated in due course.
Magwaza began his broadcasting career at Durban Youth Radio (DYR) after completing a Media Studies qualification before joining Ukhozi FM as a technical producer. He also worked as a television presenter on SABC1’s talent search show uShuni Womhlaba, which he co-presented alongside Sho Madjozi, Big Zulu, Msaki and Phuzekhemisi, who served as judges.