EBIS’ sound engineer Mbuyazwe dies

ESWATINI Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) has lost one of its longest-serving sound engineers Mbuyazwe Dlamini.

This newspaper understands that Dlamini passed away on Monday while admitted at the Nelspruit Medical Clinic in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

A family member who preferred anonymity confirmed Dlamini’s death.

The family member revealed that Dlamini had initially been hospitalised at Manzini Clinic after suffering a stroke before being transferred to the South African health facility for further medical care.

“Usilimalele Mbuyazwe,” he said.

Dlamini worked at EBIS where his technical responsibilities included ensuring that the sound system for His Majesty King Mswati III was in order in national addresses and other public engagements.

Meanwhile, King’s Office Director of Information and Communications Percy Simelane described Dlamini as a dedicated worker who committed himself fully to the responsibilities assigned to him.

He said Dlamini was a loyal servant whose contribution would be remembered for years and his contribution would be missed for a very long time.

“In Mbuyazwe, we have not only lost a workaholic, but a rounded loyalist who put his breath unreservedly to every responsibility given to him by the King’s Office. May God be with his family as it bleeds over his demise,” Simelane said.

Mamba pays tribute to Mbuyazwe’s brilliance, kindness

CHANNEL Yemaswati Director Qhawe Mamba has paid tribute to the late Mbuyazwe.

He described him as an exceptionally intelligent, technically gifted and hardworking individual whose kindness and understanding helped him navigate the challenges of working with the Royal family.

Mamba said his working relationship with Mbuyazwe began over 20 years ago when the late was assigned to handle sound operations in the Outside Broadcast (OB) Unit.

He said their shared experiences as pioneers in their respective fields brought them closer as they faced similar professional challenges while executing duties involving Their Majesties.

He said working in environments where Royal assignments intersected with established workplace hierarchies often exposed them to difficult situations as some superiors felt intimidated by their responsibilities.

He explained that he and Mbuyazwe understood each other’s circumstances and often supported one another whenever challenges arose.

Mamba recalled an incident in which Mbuyazwe came to his rescue after he had not received his per diem following an overseas trip.

He said Mbuyazwe bought him food and even ate from his plate, joking that it was his way of recovering the money because he knew Mamba would not pay him back.

“As an OB reporter, you work with your superiors who consider you as a subordinate. You end up being victimised at work because you come with a Royal command and the superiors feel intimidated,” Mamba said.

He further reflected Dlamini’s generosity, humour and practical approach to helping those around him even during difficult times.

Mamba observed that many people struggled to understand Dlamini’s way of doing things, often forming opinions without fully appreciating his character or intentions.

However, he said his own perception changed after they sat down and had an opportunity to discuss matters openly allowing him to understand Dlamini better.

He also highlighted the bonds forged by those who worked at the forefront of broadcasting where pioneering assignments often came with challenges that required mutual understanding, resilience and solidarity.

“Most people did not understand how Dlamini did things, and I started appreciating him after we sat down, where Dlamini explained himself,” Mamba said.