‘Siyazalana sizwe esimnyama. Nindithandile nami ndanithanda. Nanga, ningalal ngob’ busuku nombethe ingubo yenvisiswano, uxolo nothando. Ndinithanda nonke emakhaya’.
(We are one, you loved me and I love you back. Tonight, may you be covered with understanding, peace and love. I love you all).
Without a doubt, Noxolo Grootboom’s farewell speech will go down as one of the most memorable moments on South African television.
Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa had to delay his national address to grant Mzansi a chance to watch the icon read her final news bulletin.
The media veteran hung her mic in an emotional farewell after serving 37 years as a journalist and Xhosa anchor on SABC 1 7pm news.
In her last news bulletin, Mam’ Noxolo delivered a powerful speech that had many shedding tears.
She recalled how, for years, South Africa has showered her with love, support and how the country has promoted the Xhosa language.
She also called for all South Africans to share more love and understanding and to stop the violence.
The media icon continues to be celebrated across the country, and messages continue to pour in from all walks of life, with millions praising her for lighting up their households with her class, professionalism, and signature sign-off ‘Ndinithanda nonke emakhaya’.
Since the SABC announced her retirement, social media has been flooded with messages of love and peace towards the veteran journalist.
Many shared how she inspired them to pursue a career in journalism.
Richards Bay television anchor Smangele Chirwa told the ZO Mam’ Noxolo inspired her to pursue a career in journalism, and over the years she has looked up to her as a professional.
‘Her professionalism and passion for journalism is something us as young journalists should copy from her.
‘She was dedicated and over the years she never changed. I was truly emotional when she said her signature for the last time. Television will never be the same again,’ said Chirwa.
Homegrown television producer Mbali Makwakwa also echoed the same sentiments, saying Mam’ Noxolo was not done and still had more to offer.
‘It will be great if she can take that knowledge to community media and groom more female journalists and anchors,’ she said.
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