Radio fraternity mourns Munghana Lonene FM presenter Mafosi Chauke
GIYANI – The radio and broadcasting fraternity in Limpopo is mourning the death of veteran broadcaster Foster “Mafosi – Try by Force” Chauke, who has passed away.
Chauke, who was from Giyani, was a familiar voice to Xitsonga-speaking listeners and had built a career across community and mainstream radio broadcasting.
He was part of the Munghana Lonene FM team, where he presented the station’s popular traditional music programme “Timitsu ta Xitsonga” alongside Quinton “The Qunitonizer” Baloyi.
According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Chauke was also involved in the station’s digital content, producing documentaries for “Phuphu ya Rixaka”, a programme aimed at profiling individuals and preserving stories linked to the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Vatsonga people.
The station’s official programme information lists Chauke as part of the “Timitsu ta Xitsonga” crew, a programme dedicated to Xitsonga traditional music.
Chauke’s broadcasting journey also included work in community radio, having previously been associated with Vision FM and Giyani Community Radio, where he established himself as a broadcaster with strong links to the Giyani community.
His move into Munghana Lonene FM marked another chapter in a career that connected community broadcasting with a larger provincial audience.
In 2023, the SABC announced that Chauke would join Baloyi on” Timitsu ta Xitsonga”, describing it as Munghana Lonene FM’s signature Xitsonga traditional music programme.
By 2024, Chauke was still part of the station’s line-up and was also entrusted with documentary work for “Phuphu ya Rixaka”, highlighting his role beyond conventional radio presenting.
His sudden death is expected to be felt particularly strongly in Giyani and across the Xitsonga broadcasting community, where his voice had become familiar to listeners over the years.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes are expected from colleagues, former colleagues, listeners, friends and members of the broader broadcasting fraternity.
Further details surrounding his death, including funeral arrangements, are expected to be communicated by the national broadcaster.
Mafosi “Try by Force” Chauke, who’s social media page was active yesterday ( Friday) will be remembered for his contribution to radio broadcasting and for using the medium to promote Xitsonga music, culture and community stories.
