Welcome Nzimande, Ukhozi FM Station Manager, is set to go on early retirement at the end of March. Nzimande, popularly known as Bhodloza among the South African citizenry, particularly radio and TV audiences, joined the SABC in 1978. During his tenure at the SABC, Nzimande served in different positions. He started as a radio announcer for Radio Zulu, which is popularly known as Ukhozi FM today. He later worked for 10 years as a TV presenter co-anchoring the popular traditional music show called Ezodumo. His dedication and commitment to the SABC earned him a promotion to serve as Station Manager for Ukhozi FM.

Nzimande did a sterling job when he led the brand transformation process of Radio Zulu to the current Ukhozi FM. He initiated various community building activities, including formation of the South African Traditional Music Association (SATMA) - the organisation contributed immensely in the development of traditional music and unearthing music talent in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. SATMA led to the formation of South African Traditional Music Awards. Nzimande used the power of radio to help defuse political violence which characterised South African politics in the early 1990s. He further made significant contribution in dealing with taxi violence in KZN and beyond. It is because of his leadership vision that Ukhozi FM leads various Social Responsibility Projects on education; disability; women empowerment; etc.

When he joined Radio Zulu, the station had just over three-million listeners - currently, Ukhozi FM boasts of six-million listeners. The SABC recognises Ukhozi FM as a major revenue driver with high brand loyalty and confidence ratings.

SABC, and PBS Radio management in particular have accepted Nzimande's application for early retirement, and we are grateful for his services in the past 32 years and wish him all the best in his future endevours. Ukhozi FM staff members and clients will miss his professional approach to various issues. The SABC will announce the appointment of the Acting Station Manager before the end of March.