Umhlobo scoops SATMA

SATMA Awards founder Dumisani Goba recently made a special trip to Umhlobo Wenene FM in Port Elizabeth to hand over the award for Best Traditional Radio Presenter to the station’s Monwabisi Gudlabatshakazi Bangi (‘Gudla’).

The 12th edition of the South African Traditional Music Awards was held in Mahikeng on 30 September – a festive affair that attracts the traditional music fraternity from across South Africa. Somehow amid the festivities, the important radio award was omitted.

In a media release, the station said, “Upon investigation by the Station manager Phumzile Mnci and Siphelele Sixaso it was discovered that the category had been forgotten and the winner of the awards as revealed by the auditors was indeed Monwabisi Gudlabatshakazi Bangi of Umhlobo Wenene FM.”

After the error was discovered, Goba travelled to Um- hlobo Wenene FM in Port Elizabeth to personally hand over the award to Gudla. He also made a public apology on the station’s breakfast show, The BEE.

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 six consecutive years.

“Xa inkosi ibekwa ayibekwa ezizweni, ibekwa kumaxhanti akowayo,” Gudla said as he accepted the award. It means that a king is crowned in his homestead. He was referring to the award being a blessing because he received it at home.

Mnci said, “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.”

Watch the video here: ly/2i11ywA bit.