According to reports Mabena had been hospitalised for lung problems before his death.
Johannesburg – Legendary radio personality Bob Mabena has died, aged 51.
This is according to reports on Monday afternoon.
At the time of his death, Mabena was the anchor of the breakfast show on Power FM.
The Atteridgeville-born Mabena made his name in the hearts of minds of South Africans in the 90s where he started broadcasting for the now defunct Radio BOP (Bophuthutswana).
According to the Daily Sun, Mabena had been hospitalised recently owing to lung problems, before he was discharged and sent home.
The publication reports that he endured complications and struggled to breathe, before attempts were made to get him back to hospital, but it is understood he did not make it.
Mabena also worked for stations including Highveld, Metro FM and Kaya FM during his long and illustrious career.
He also made a smash hit song in the 90s with Kaizer Chiefs superstar, Doctor Khumalo.
The song, Get Funky, had the country dancing in the 90s.
Chatting with DJ Sbu on The Hustlers Corner earlier this year, he recalled how he had been reluctant to move to the then Radio Metro from Radio BOP.
He said he had been comfortable working for Radio BOP, but his girlfriend pushed him to take the leap and join Radio Metro after a then station manager had expressed an interest in Mabena joining the station.
He eventually made the move and he admitted the move was “fantastic for me”.
He also recalled how the song Get Funky was made as they were just fooling around with Doctor Khumalo, having fun, when the song was recorded.
