SA mourns popular Mbuli

Radio and television personality Vuyo Mbuli was yesterday remembered as a prolific journalist, a professional who shaped South African conversations, and as "one of the best" and "a giant".

Tributes poured in for Mbuli, SABC2's Morning Livepresenter, who died suddenly on Saturday, four days after turning 46.

Minutes after posting a tweet about the Cheetahs Super rugby game against the Reds at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, the much-loved television and radio journalist collapsed. He was rushed to a hospital but did not recover consciousness.

Yesterday President Jacob Zuma paid tribute to Mbuli as the country expressed sadness and shock at his sudden death.

"His family's loss is the nation's loss. It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo. The whole nation will miss his smile and encouraging words," Zuma said.

Mbuli's Morning Live co-presenter, Leanne Manas, was devastated: "We created magic together for two hours every morning for nine years. I'm devastated!

"Not sure how to do it without you. I will miss you so much."

Mbuli, known for his signature sign-off "Sharp, Sharp", started his career as an economics teacher. A journalist for 20 years, he also worked for SAfm as a presenter. He had anchored Morning Live, one of the most-watched breakfast shows, since its inception in 1999.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said Mbuli's 14 years on the show "spoke volumes of the love that the public had for him, and the great talent and skill he possessed through his presenting and knowledge".

Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid tribute to Mbuli from London, describing him as a "constantly reassuring presence on our TV screens over two tumultuous decades".

Chester Missing tweeted his condolences: "Yoh, RIP Vuyo Mbuli. I even had u in my show."

Phumla Williams expressed the government's condolences to Mbuli's family, friends and the media industry.

"Vuyo has touched the hearts of South Africans through his work," she said.

The National Union of Mineworkers said Mbuli "represented true, responsible and fearless journalism that sought no favour from anyone".

DA spokesman Musi Maimane described Mbuli as "an incredible figure in broadcasting and a critical interviewer".

MetroFM presenter Asanda Magaqa tweeted: "In the age where we [are] obsessed with 'fresh' faces Vuyo Mbuli represented the rare consummate TV anchor, ageing gracefully on our screens."

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said: "This, the last time, his signature sign-off, 'Sharp Sharp', came too soon and he will be sadly missed."

Mbuli's last tweet gave the score at the Cheetahs game eight minutes into the second half.

His Twitter profile carried these words: "It's not what you say, it's what you do." - Additional reporting by Sapa