Ukhozi FM presenter Bheka Mchunu dies

Bheka ‘Beekay’ Mchunu, a Ukhozi FM broadcaster and businessman, died at a health facility late yesterday following a protracted illness. Since 2020, Beekay, a resident of Mevamhlophe, an area outside of Empangeni in KwaZulu Natal, has been in and out of the hospital.

Beekay was taken off the air in December 2022 after being ill while filming his weekend maskandi show, Sigiya Ngengoma. The seasoned radio host had claimed to have an excruciating ache in his throat at the time.

His show ended abruptly two months earlier in October 2022 when he passed out and the producers had to turn on some music. After a hospital stay in 2021, the presenter had to be replaced for over three weeks, and Khetha Gwala took over.

A source who spoke to ZiMoja said that Beekay had been in and out of hospital since 2020. There was even a time where he had to go back home to be taken care of by his family and spent months without working. Beekay also confirmed his illness.

“I think it is no longer just a normal illness but I’m recovering well at my place here in Durban. My brother is trying everything to get me the best traditional healer to deal with this directly. I have tried many doctors, and they don’t see anything wrong.” he said at the time.

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A family member said Beekay became seriously ill yesterday afternoon and was rushed to the Esikhawini Clinic, where he sadly passed away. He owned a school in the area. “We rushed him to the local clinic because he suddenly fell seriously ill. He passed on at the clinic while the nurses where still busy with him,” said the family member. When called for a comment, SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolela asked to be given some time.