Popular Yfm DJ loses Aids battle

Popular Yfm DJ Fana "Khabzela" Khaba died on Wednesday after a long battle with Aids, Yfm announced on Wednesday.

The station's public relations officer, Dineo Mahloele, said Khabzela's death was a big loss to the Yfm family and its listeners.

"He taught most of us — colleagues and listeners — that life is important and now that he's gone, it is up to us to complete what he started," Mahloele said.

Mahloele said Khaba was able to make something out of his life despite hardships.

In a recorded message to Yfm listeners in May 2003, Khabzela, who commanded huge support with his mid-morning show, announced he had tested HIV-positive.

He said he had been feeling ill for a long time and his health had deteriorated so badly he was barely able to walk.

"Neither doctors nor traditional healers had been able to help in his illness, so he decided to confront his fears and have an HIV test. He tested positive," Mahloele said.

Mahloele extended the station's condolences to Khaba's family and friends who had been comforting him at his bedside in Emdeni, Soweto, for the past 10 months.

Khaba was admitted to Johannesburg General hospital on December 26 after his condition deteriorated. He died in hospital.

iAFRICA.com News SAPA

It is a sad day as South Africa loses one of its great sons: Y fm's DJ Fana "Khabzela" Khaba passed away earlier today (Wednesday 14 Jan)...

DJ Khabzela was with the Gauteng regional radio station since its inception in 1996, and in his colourful radio career began when he hosted the weekend's mid-morning slot. He quickly became a favourite listen.

Khabzela then occupied the weekly breakfast slot, and rose to national stardom when he released the series of Mekonko house compilations, which were widely appreciated - and danced to.

"This is a big loss to the Y fm family and its listeners," said Y fm's Station Manager Greg Maloka sadly. "Fana is a prime example of someone who made something out of his life from nothing and whom we should all strive to emulate. He taught most of us - colleagues and listeners - that life is important and now that he's gone, it is up to us to complete what he started."

It was in May 2003 that Khabzela make a brave decision and announced on the mid-morning show, DK@Y - which he co-hosted with Dre - that he was HIV positive, a move that would earn him great deal of admiration amongst his followers - and the public in general.

Fana "Khabzela" Khaba was admitted to Johannesburg General hospital on 26 December, and passed away at age 35.

Channel O (M-Net)