Journo Makina dies
POPULAR radio presenter and journalist Tymon Makina has died.
Makina, who worked for ZBC’s SFM for a number of years and was now employed by Skyz Metro passed on at Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday morning after a short illness. He was 48.
Makina was well-known for his sublime sports commentary and he popularised the SFM football programme, BP Check, which had fans glued to the station every Sunday. Condolences have poured in from the media fraternity with many describing his passing away as a great loss to the broadcasting industry.
Former colleague, Jethro Chimanga, who worked with Makina for a decade at SFM described him as a diligent broadcaster.
“I remember the excitement and dedication when he was on the BP Check programme, you could feel his passion, excitement and dedication to his job. Personally, I have lost a brother and great broadcaster,” said Chimanga.
Another former colleague at ZBC, Dave Simba said Makina was among those who introduced him to broadcasting and his handling of listeners was unparalleled.
“It is painful to lose him at a time sports journalists have re-united under the Sports Journalists Association, his experience would have come in handy and I am sure a lot of youngsters would have learnt a lot from his proficiency and professionalism,” said Simba.
Veteran journalist, Methuseli Moyo, who at one time was the general manager at SFM said Makina was a resourceful person, who had a lot of initiative hence he came up with the BP Check programme.
“His ease in handling the programme and dealing with listeners was amazing. I am sure at the time the programme was the most followed in the country. Although he was a part-time he gave his all and was focused on his job,” said Moyo.
Makina joined broadcasting as a disc jockey at Radio Three using the name Tarzen Tee in 1994 and later moved to SFM where he gained popularity through the Sunday football programme. Makina was born on 9 January 1969 in Bulawayo and attended Mhali Primary before heading to Hamilton High. He is survived by three children.