SATMA hosted the 12th edition of the South African Traditional Music Awards. This prestigious event which seeks to ensure that as South Africans we preserve our diverse languages and culture .We saw the entire traditional music fraternity descend upon Mahikeng where the event was held.

SABC is a media partner in these awards; all the SABC African Language radio stations take part in these awards as they are the custodians of our language and culture. There are two widely contested categories within the radio categories, that is the best traditional music radio programme of the year and the best traditional radio presenter of the year.

At this year’s awards an unfortunate situation happened where the best traditional radio presenter was omitted due to technical glitches .Upon investigation by the Station manager Mr Phumzile Mnci and Mr Siphelele Sixaso it was discovered that the category had been forgotten and the winner of the awards as revealed by the auditors was indeed Mr Monwabisi Gudlabatshakazi Bangi of Umhlobo Wenene FM.

On Thursday the 05 October 2017, SATMA Awards founder, Mr Goba  travelled to Umhlobo Wenene FM in  Port Elizabeth to hand over the award to Gudla who emerged as the winner in the best traditional music radio  presenter category.

This follows a public apology made by the SATMA founder Mr Goba on the station’s breakfast show the BEE on Monday the 02nd of October 2017, where he informed listeners about the mishap and promised to personally deliver the award to the station and he fulfilled that promise as he flew down with the camera crew including Mr Siphelele Sixaso, the Head of Marketing Radio in SABC to witness the event. A special honorary Award known as the Lasting Legacy Award was posthumously awarded to the late Saba Mbixane who had won in both categories for a consecutive six years.
“Xa inkosi ibekwa ayibekwa ezizweni, ibekwa kumaxhanti akowayo” this was a positive opening line from Gudla as he accepted the award which means that a king is crowned in his homestead referring to the award being a blessing as he is receiving it at home. It was a joyous moment followed by African cuisine as the SABC staff dressed in their traditional regalia.

Mr Mnci the station manager had this to say, “I wish to congratulate Gudla for ensuring that the legacy left by Saba Mbixane is continuing. It is abundantly clear that the station together with the listeners have made the right decision by choosing him to replace the late Saba Mbixane. Through this achievement the station is continuing its mission to take every award coming its way .A clear demonstration that Umhlobo Wenene FM is the best station in South Africa. We would like to thank our listeners for always being loyal to the station of their choice”

For more information, please contact the Marketing Manager, Ms Faith Ngandi.
Marketing Manager | UMhlobo Wenene FM | Tel: 041 391 1103
ngandifb@sabc.co.za