The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is shocked and saddened about the untimely death of Mr Maleka on Saturday the 21st April 2012.
Mr. Lebelo Maleka was the station manager of Shoshanguve Community Radio, and an active community radio activist who worked tirelessly for the development and promotion of community radio in South Africa. Soshanguve Community Radio, under the stewardship of Mr Maleka was an active member of the National Community Radio Forum since the launch of the NCRF in 1993.
The MDDA appreciates the years of service and contributions of Mr. Maleka to the work and success of the sector in general and to Soshanguve Community Radio in particular. His knowledge of the community media sector and his technical expertise will always be remembered.
"On behalf of the Agency I would like to thank Mr. Maleka for his selfless contributions towards facilitation of development and diversity in the South African media and to the promotion of the right to freedom of expression and access to information as enshrined in our Constitution. To the family, we say, you are not alone in this pain, the entire South African media industry shares the pain with you, masilaleni ngoxolo, akuhlanga lungehliyo, olwakhe ugqatso ulufezile. Let us all let him rest in peace, as he joins cadres of the alternative media like the late Tshepo Rantho, the late Harry Letsebe, the late Chris Gutuza, the late Edric Gorfinkel, the late Fana "Khabzela" Khaba, the late Ms Nicollete Tladi, the late Queen Mkhondwane, etc. all our colleagues in the early 90's in the community media struggles," said Mr. Mtimde, the Chief Executive Officer of the MDDA.
At the time of his untimely death, Mr. Maleka was still active in the NCRF. For further details regarding funeral arrangements, please contact Sonnyboy Masingi, Chairperson NCRF 011 403 4336.
