A voice that resonated across Limpopo
In the world of South African radio, some names leave a lasting echo. For many in Limpopo, the voice of Kwetepe Matlakala—better known by his on-air alias “Village Boy”—was one of them. When news broke recently that he had died, the local broadcasting fraternity and his loyal listeners were left reeling.
From small-town beginnings to the airwaves
Matlakala built his career at Thobela FM, a station that plays a central role in the state broadcaster’s network and in the lives of Sepedi-speaking communities. There he cut his teeth, hosting shows and connecting with everyday people in towns and villages across the region. His warm voice and authentic style made him not just a presenter but a familiar companion on the radio.
The moment the community felt the loss
The announcement of Matlakala’s passing came via Thobela FM on a Wednesday morning, leaving the station and the region in mourning. It was confirmed that he had died, and while details remain sparse, the outpouring of sympathy was immediate. On social media platforms, comments ranged from stunned disbelief to heartfelt tributes. One listener wrote, “It is as if the radio in our car lost its soul today.” Others remembered his genuine laughter and his way of making rural voices feel heard.
Why his passing matters for the local media landscape
For broadcasters, especially in regional stations, having a host who speaks the language and shares the lived experience of their audience is invaluable. Matlakala was that bridge between township roads, farmland, and the studio desk. His departure highlights how fragile that connection can be and how vital it is for local communities to have familiar figures on the airwaves.
Mogaši wa maloba wa Thobela FM, Kwetepe Matlaka o robetše boroko bjo bogolo. Kwetepe o gašitše le go tšweletša mananeo a Reggae ke Mmino, Re ka Kgona le Lentšu ke Bophelo. Moya wa gagwe o robale ka khutšo. #RIPKwetepe pic.twitter.com/l2aiOT0n6w
— #ThobelaFMSEMA (@ThobelaFMYaka) November 19, 2025
A fresh angle on his legacy
Rather than only mourning his absence, now is a moment to reflect on the gaps he leaves behind and what comes next. How will Thobela FM replace not just a voice, but the trust and intimacy Village Boy built? Could it prompt the station to invest more in finding new talent from rural areas and communities that have historically been underserved by mainstream media? His passing might just spark a deeper conversation about representation in South African broadcasting.
Kwetepe Matlakala’s departure is more than the end of a broadcast career. It is the silencing of a familiar voice in many households across Limpopo. The radio may still play, but for many listeners, the angle of the conversation has lost a friend. As the tributes continue and the station crafts its next chapter, Village Boy’s legacy will live on whenever Sepedi-speaking South Africans tune in, remembering the man who made them feel heard.
Source: Briefly News
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