Eddie Zondi: Gone but not forgotten

A short while after Metro FM station manager Martin Vilakazi confirmed news of his death on air, listeners, colleagues and friends of Zondi called in to express their shock.

“You played music that showed me what love is about,” said Chriselda of Khayelitsha.

SA remembers Eddie Zondi

Artist and friend Robbie Malinga, said: “I am not okay, it is sad. It is a very sad day for South Africa. For me he was not just Eddie Zondi, he was my brother … I miss him. He was one of the guys who made my song with Kelly (Khumalo), Sobabili, famous,” he said.

It was too much for Bonolo of Berea. She broke into sobs as she recalled how she and her mother recently met Zondi.

He greeted them with a warm embrace even though he did not know them.

Zondi, 47, passed away yesterday morning.

“He fell ill in the early hours of the morning complaining of chest pain,” Metro FM spokesperson Happy Ngidi said. “He was rushed to the hospital but died on arrival.”

Zondi had been one of Metro FM’s most popular voices for 18 years. Many callers described him as “the best on radio”.

Community radio presenters who drew inspiration from him also expressed their appreciation of his talent.

The Soweto-born DJ released four CDs titled Zondi’s Romantic Ballads, featuring favourite tracks that he often played on his show and during appearances at the country’s night spots.

Zondi’s old neighbours and friends in Senaoane, Soweto – where he grew up – were shocked to hear of his passing yesterday afternoon.

Nomzi Ngquba recalled that he had been sick two years ago. “He had a heart attack two years ago but recovered fully,” she said.

When Ngquba heard the news she thought of his mother. “I phoned her and told her to be strong, there is nothing we can do about death. She said she can only try to be strong.”

Mathuthu Miya said she had never missed her homeboy’s show – except for last Sunday.

“Normally I am the one who makes people turn it on wherever I go, but this Sunday I missed it – I will regret that for some time,” she said.

Miya said she remembered Zondi as a “genuinely nice guy. Even when he became famous he never changed”.

Veli Vilikazi said he could hardly believe that Zondi was gone.

“He was involved with the soccer team I coach, Senaoane Gunners… The kids, they looked up to him.” He said he might never be able to play the song If Tomorrow Never Comes by Ronan Keating – it was the last song he heard Zondi play, last Sunday.

Zondi leaves his wife, Phakamile.