Dubani Takes His Final Bow
Chakalisa Dube | Monday December 3, 2018 14:37
Hundreds of mourners from all walks of life including politicians, media colleagues and community leaders attended the funeral.
Dubani, who was amongst those who pioneered The Voice newspaper in the early 1990s, succumbed to a heart attack more than a week ago at Tati Siding where he resided.
Popularly known by the acronym ‘DD’, Dubani was described by friends as a hard-working man who always felt compelled to help people who were suffering through his journalism work and outside the newsroom.
At the time of his death the 48-year-old was freelancing for The Voice, the newspaper he had solely served for over 25 years. His most recent notable work was helping compile the The Voice’s 25th anniversary magazine.
The Voice editor in chief, Emang Bokhutlo described him as a pillar in the newsroom, open as well as always willing to help upcoming reporters.
“Dubani’s writing prowess came second to none in the newsroom and most probably the whole country. He was in a league of his own. He has been a very key figure in the newsroom since the early years of The Voice,” she said.
“He is amongst those who greatly shaped the paper to where it is today. His legacy in the paper will live on and will forever be protected.”
She added that Dubani was not only intelligent, but also sharp and direct when dealing with various issues in the newsroom.
“He was also a well mannered person who did not like to be offended,” Bokhutlo said.
What stuck Bokhutlo was Dubani’s level of independence.
She said the fallen scribe was a carefree figure and never wanted to beg from anyone even when in dire need.
His younger brother, Motlhalemang Moalosi said Dubani showed passion for writing from a young age. He said his later brother was also an avid reader, and inspired his siblings through his writing prowess.
“In our family we excelled in English at school because of Dubani. His passion for reading and writing rubbed on us, which is why we did well in the subject. He was a very humble and humorous figure as well,” Moalosi said.
Dubani’s daughter, Nametso Chilume said she has lost her pillar of strength. She described her father as a very caring person, who would go at length to ensure that she was well kept and had everything she wanted.
Chilume also reiterated that her father was a person who liked to see people around him happy.
Guitarist Cyril Ndolo, Dubani’s longtime friend, said, “he has left a gap that no one can fill in my life and it will take time for me to recover from his death”.
“He is the one who encouraged me in my work. He was like my manager and assisted me to write good sponsorship proposals through his writing prowess,” added Ndolo, who struggled to contain himself during the funeral.
Dubani was also an avid TAFIC fan and was always keen to follow what his team was doing. At one point, he served as the club spokesperson. Amongst his honours, Dubani won the best Coca-Cola cup photographer in 1995. Before turning into a freelancer, he occasionally edited The Voice.
His work has also been recognised by reputable entities such as SuperSport. Dubani is survived by his mother, daughter, sister, four brothers, six nieces and 12 nephews.