Table of Biography
Bob Mabena was a South African radio personality, DJ, musician, coach, and television personality. Bob Mabena was famous for hosting radio shows on stations like POWER 98.7, Metro FM, Highveld Stereo, and Khaya FM.
Early Life
Bob Mabena was born Kgomotso Bob Mabena on 26 July 1969. He is originally from Atteridgeville, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. He holds a South African nationality. Likewise, he grew up under his grandmother’s care. Therefore, he didn’t know much about his parents as his mother passed away when he was just 11 years old.
Likewise, he has a brother named Victor Mobena who works as a radio JD for Kaya FM. This radio legend hardly talked about his early life and family background. Speaking of his educational background, he did his high school studies at Saulridge High School. And, he enrolled in college and earned his graduate degree in journalism and broadcasting.
Caption: Bob Mabena’s childhood picture. Source: Instagram
Death
On the afternoon of 10 August 2020 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, Bob died and he was just 51 years old. The cause of Bob’s death was cardiac arrest. Therefore, his cause of death was confirmed by his employer, Power FM.
Bob Mabena – Career
In the year 1989, Bob began his radio career in the then-Republic of Bophuthatswana with the now-defunct Radio Bop. Likewise, after spending 3 years in the North West and having ventured into Television as well, he was recruited by Koos Radebe, Radio Metro station manager, to the national Radio station named Metro FM.
Koos Radebe, Radio Metro station’s manager gave him a job in the national radio station. There, he presented a variety of television shows which included Pick a Tune and Studio Mix. Similarly, in the year 1996, this radio legendary moved to 94.7 as a mid-morning host and also joined its management team.
In 1999, Kaya FM employed him as a program manager and a morning show presenter. Also, he was promoted to the post of Primedia business development manager at the Group level. Therefore, it was a position he held for 2 and a half years.
From 2007 to 2009, he worked for SABC as the executive manager of commercial radio stations. There, he was put in charge of 5FM, Metro FM, and GoodHope FM. Then, he came back to Kaya FM. Therefore, as a breakfast show presenter, and was entrusted with overseeing Gagasi FM and Heart FM as the director of MRC Radio.
Caption: Bob Mabena while working. Source: Instagram
More
In 2010, this personality began a radio consultancy under the name ‘EndowMedia’ while still working for KAYA FM. And, between the years 2014 and 2015, through the agency, he coached hundreds of aspiring radio and television hosts in speech and attitude anchoring.
In the year 2017, this personality also resigned from KAYA FM morning show 180, and MSG hired him to head its radio station’s programming. Also, he was the station manager of Power 98.7. Likewise, his Television credits include the e.tv music show Unplugged Joy of Jazz. Also, he hosted Season 1 of the employment reality show ‘You’re Hired!’.
Similarly, in 2015-2016, he was profiled on the 3rd season of the SABC1/Pearl Modiadie talk show ‘Zaziwa.’ And, in the year 2016, this personality was one of the profiled celebrities on Season 2 of the M-Net documentary series ‘My Story.’
He has received several nominations and honors in his life. Some of them are 1994: Best Radio Personality, Artes Award, 1995: Best TV Presenter, Artes Award, 1994: Best Rap Artist of the Year, South African Music Awards, MTN 2012: Hall of FAME induction, MTN, and 2013: Best Breakfast Show.
Bob Mabena – Personal Life
This radio legendary was husband to his wife, Eucharist Hadebe from 2015 until his demise in August 2020. And, in 2016, they welcomed a son. Marriage with the Eucharist was Bob’s 2nd marriage. Therefore, he previously married a TV presenter and businesswoman, Zandile Nzalo. They together have a child. Hadebe is very protective of their kids. So, she hardly shares the information about their son with the public.
Moreover, upon Bob’s death, it was rumored and revealed that he was survived by 7 kids but this is mostly publicly not known. Clementine and Sihle paid tribute to their late father at his funeral. However, he is said to have many children outside of wedlock. But, the details about his other children are unknown.
Caption: Bob Mabena and his wife’s picture. Source: Instagram
Body Measurements
Bob stood at an average height and moderate weight. Therefore, he appeared to be quite tall in his photos. However, he was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed around 73 kilos. He used to wear a number 7.5 (US) shoe size. Additionally, he had black eyes and was bald.
Social Media
Bob Mabena was active on social media sites. Therefore, his accounts are still available on the internet. His Instagram page ‘@mabenabob’ has over 59.1K followers. And, his Twitter account has over 142.6K followers.
Bob Mabena – Net Worth 2023
Through earnings from his career as a media personality, he has been able to accumulate a modest fortune. This radio legendary had a net worth estimated around $1 million – $5 million. And, despite his obvious riches, he preferred to lead a modest lifestyle.