What started as a quiet effort by friends of the late Munghana Lonene FM presenter Foster “Mafosi” Chauke to support his grieving family has snowballed into a remarkable show of solidarity, with the funeral fund now standing at R82,900.
The latest figure represents an increase of R33,900 since African Times reported that R49,000 and counting had already been raised as Mafosi’s friends rallied behind his family following his sudden death.
And with just one day left for contributions, the Gaza nation is making a final push to ensure that the popular broadcaster is given a dignified send-off.
Mafosi, 49, died in a car accident last week, sending shockwaves through the Xitsonga-speaking community and leaving colleagues, friends and listeners mourning a broadcaster whose voice had become familiar to thousands.
Before joining SABC’s Munghana Lonene FM, where he became known to listeners through Timintsu Ta Xitsonga, Chauke spent several years at Giyani Community Radio and Vision FM, building a broadcasting career that earned him a loyal following.
His death has now brought together people from different corners of the community, united by a common desire to stand with his family.
The burial service is scheduled for Saturday at the Calvary Revival Centre in Njhakanjhaka Village, Bungeni, while Munghana Lonene FM is hosting a memorial service at SABC Studios in Polokwane today at 12h00.
From R49,000 to R82,900
When African Times first reported on the fundraising campaign, Mafosi’s friends had managed to raise R49,000.
The response has since gathered extraordinary momentum.
The latest contribution list contains 67 donations from businessmen, media personalities, professionals, community leaders, friends and organisations, with contributions ranging from R500 to R10,000.
Among the biggest contributions are Xiluman Hotel owner Howard Mashaba, who donated R10,000, and Vhembe District Municipality Executive Mayor Miyelani “Ma Banana” Chauke, who also contributed R10,000.
Khalanga Production contributed R4,000, while Mayengani wa Triple Story Baloyi donated R3,100.
Other notable R3,000 contributions came from Prof HL Makhubela, President Patric Mutsenga of AADP, Ginani Mabunda and Prince Rikhotso.
Prof Ntwanano Mhlanga contributed R2,000, while Tebogo Magubane and King Jabulani Chauke each contributed R2,000.
But behind the growing figures is a story of friends who decided to act before the family even knew what was happening.
Mashaba said the fundraising group was created without the knowledge of Mafosi’s family because friends wanted to quietly mobilise support and help ease the financial burden surrounding the funeral.
“We are contributing money and will give it to the family to cover the gaps. But the group was created without the knowledge of the family. They don’t know that there is a group created to help them,” Mashaba said.
He said the money raised would ultimately be handed to the family on Friday to assist with any outstanding funeral expenses.
