RADIO icon Rufus Mpolokeng has died
Rufus Mpolokeng, a revered icon in the radio industry, passed away on Saturday, 8 June, at the age of 88. Known affectionately by his clan’s name, Namane Ya Tholo, Rufus’s death was due to natural causes, as confirmed by his family.
Rufus made history when he read the first-ever news bulletin in the country on 1 June 1962 on Tirelo ya Setswana ya Aferika Borwa, which is now known as Motsweding FM. He was among the first seven announcers to work for the station when it was launched. At the time, the station was on air for only seven hours between 5am and noon.
Tributes and Memories
Bennet Koma, the co-ordinator of Veterans Broadcasters Founders, and Rudolf Letsoalo, another radio veteran formerly with Thobela FM, paid their tributes to Rufus. Bennet remembered Rufus as a good entertainer and educator who shared his knowledge with his listeners. Rudolf recalled how Rufus taught them to withstand the wrath of apartheid and instilled in them the spirit of Ubuntu. He never discriminated against them for speaking Sepedi and was always full of jokes that brought them together.
A Father’s Legacy
Orapeleng Mpolokeng, Rufus’s son, described his father as a giant from whom they learned a lot. Rufus taught them that victory and losses are just a mere imposter and are not permanent. It’s how you value things that make a difference in your life. He abhorred the ‘I factor’ in every step of the way and taught them to always say ‘We’ instead. Rufus was also a highly religious person and an Anglican Church member to the last day. He was a teacher by profession and loved soccer and boxing.
Rufus will be laid to rest on Saturday, 15 June, in Kgabalatsane, North West.