The Xitsonga music and broadcasting fraternity on Sunday gave Tiveka Foster “Mafosi” Chauke a final farewell, laying the celebrated broadcaster and music producer to rest amid an outpouring of grief and support from government officials, artists, colleagues, family and community members.

Mafosi, affectionately known as “Try by Force,” died on 26 September 2026 at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy that stretched across radio, music and community service. He died from a car accident on his way to work.

His burial drew mourners from different corners of the community, reflecting the reach of a man who spent years using his voice, creativity and industry connections to promote Xitsonga music and nurture artists.

The depth of the support for his family was underlined by a fundraising drive that surpassed R100,000.

Friends, colleagues, artists and community members rallied behind the family, contributing to the campaign as they prepared to give Mafosi a dignified send-off.

The funeral programme also brought together government officials and prominent figures who joined the family in paying tribute to the broadcaster.

Mafosi built his career from humble beginnings. He started out in the security industry, working for companies including Stallion Security and Chabbu Security Services, before moving into entertainment and broadcasting.

He later worked as a studio manager at Props Star before pursuing his passion for radio.

His broadcasting journey took him to community radio stations, including GCR and Vision FM.

In 2022, he joined SABC radio station Munghana Lonene FM, where he worked as a producer and presenter until his death.

But radio was only one part of Mafosi’s contribution.

He also established himself as a music producer and worked with a long list of Xitsonga musicians, including Abel Chauke, Timbirhi Sisters, Gezani Thomas Mzamani, Joe Shirimani, Manana Thwala, Sasekisa, Xinombelani Sisters, Mr Post, Marhoya Chauke, Florah Nwa-Chauke, Benny Mayengani, Israel Mabasa, Fani Ringani and many others.

Those relationships turned him into a bridge between artists, broadcasters and audiences and helped strengthen the Xitsonga music industry.

At Sunday’s funeral, speaker after speaker reflected on Mafosi’s determination, generosity and commitment to his community.

His family remembered him as a devoted husband and father. He was customarily married to Winny Hlungwane-Chauke and leaves behind his children, Ntsako, Talenta, Mhlengwe, Nyiko, Nkateko and Ntlakuso, as well as his grandson, Lefa.

His siblings, including Martha, Phillemon, Sunnyboy, Johannes, Beneth and Paulos, also mourned his passing.

For the artists he mentored, the broadcasters who worked alongside him and the listeners who knew his voice, Sunday marked the end of an era.

Mafosi’s final journey was not a quiet goodbye. It was a public demonstration of the impact he made during his 49 years.

From the government officials including Limpopo agriculture MEC Basikopo Makamu, Vhembe District Municipality Executive Mayor Miyelani Chauke and Collins Chabane Municipality Mayor Shadrack Maluleke attended his funeral to the artists like Dr. Thomas Chauke, Benny Mayengani, Solly Makamu and Mr Post and broadcasters who paid tribute, and the community that raised more than R100,000 to support his family, the message was clear: Mafosi left behind a legacy that extended far beyond the microphone.