The airwaves have lost one of their finest custodians of culture and language following the passing of veteran broadcaster Tshinanga Andries Phuravhathu Hendrick Mueda, affectionately known as “Phuras”, at the age of 77.
Mueda passed away peacefully at his home in Phadzima Dzumbathoho, Nzhelele, on Thursday, 26 March, after a period of illness.
Born on 8 August 1948 at Ha-Mphwatshirema near Louis Trichardt, Mueda was the first-born son of Vho Masindi Johannes and Vho Shonisani Mukumela Mueda.
He began his professional journey in 1971 when he enrolled for a teacher’s diploma at Tshisimani College in Tshakhuma. Upon completing his studies, he taught at Zwavhumbwa Primary School in Ha-Matsa until 1976.
That same year marked the beginning of his illustrious broadcasting career when he joined the SABC’s Radio Venda in the then Pietersburg. In 1981, he was relocated to Louis Trichardt, where he played a key role in developing programmes, including dramas and agricultural shows, helping to shape the station’s early identity.
In 1986, Mueda briefly returned to teaching at George Mbulaheni Secondary School in Tshikuwi before being recruited by the then Venda government into the Department of Publicity and Broadcasting. His work later took him to the Department of Transport, where he travelled extensively to countries such as Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
True to the saying “once a radio man, always a radio man”, Mueda returned to broadcasting in 1992 at Radio Venda in Louis Trichardt, where he worked until 1998. Following the amalgamation of Radio Thohoyandou and Radio Venda, he moved to Thohoyandou before settling in Polokwane in 2000, where he continued his work at Phalaphala FM until his retirement in 2012.
Throughout his career, Mueda was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the purity and promotion of the Tshivenda language. He used the microphone not only to inform and entertain, but also as a powerful tool to preserve and elevate his language and cultural heritage.
Family spokesperson Mr Tendani Maremba said the family had been comforted by the overwhelming support from the public. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, listeners and community members.
Long-time colleague Mr Hyson Musandiwa, who first met Mueda in 1972 at Tshisimani College and again at the SABC, described him as a mentor and cultural custodian.
“He welcomed me warmly and taught me everything — from typing to translating and reading the news. He had a deep love for traditional music and the Tshivenda language, which he carried into his work,” said Musandiwa, adding that Mueda’s legacy should inspire others to serve selflessly. “If we are to honour him, we must work with dedication, not for financial gain, but to grow Tshivenda language and culture. That would be a fitting tribute.”
Another colleague, Mr Mpho Nefale, described Mueda as a disciplined professional and a trailblazer who pursued excellence in everything he did.
Mueda’s memorial service was held on 31 March at Humbelani Secondary School, while his funeral will be held on Thursday, 2 April, at the same venue, starting at 06:00, before proceeding to Tshikuwi Cemetery for burial.