Tributes continue to pour in for former Bush Radio presenter, Bassie Montewa. Montewa died at the age of 61 on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. Montewa’s journey with Bush Radio began in 1993 and continued until 2019.
ARCHIVE- Bassie MontewaAs one of the station’s very first volunteers—then known as “Networkers”—Bassie was a central figure in the station’s formative years and growth. He poured his energy, talent, and passion into a variety of roles: from captivating audiences with drama productions, to hosting the beloved afternoon drive-time programme Everyday People, to serving as night-duty manager and later as host of the afternoon programme Backchat.
Born on 26 June 1964 and a proud alumnus of Fezeka High
School, Bassie was so much more than a broadcaster. He was a devoted media
practitioner, a student political activist, and a tireless promoter of local
culture. Bassie’s unwavering dedication to grassroots news and social justice
made him a pillar of our Bush Radio family and the broader Cape Town community.
Bassie’s work focused on sparking meaningful
conversations—on health, education, the arts, community activism, and beyond.
He firmly believed in the power of radio as a tool for change, using his voice
to uplift the unheard.
‘’Bassie Montewa’s warmth, mentorship, and vision left an
indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege to work with, or listen to
him. We mourn his loss deeply, but also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
Rest in power, Bassie. Thank you for your contribution, your warmth, and your
commitment to community media. Your voice will continue to echo through the
airwaves of Bush Radio,’’ said Adrian Louw, Bush Radio Programme integrator.
Current Bush Radio presenters described Montewa as a loving colleague.
‘’To be in Bassie’s space was really beautiful, he carried
himself with lots of wisdom and a lot of honour and he loved what he did.
Working with Mr. Montewa was a pleasure as we always shared laughter and always
willing to help the youth with opportunities. We have lost a stalwart, a
legend, someone who has been part of the building blocks of what Bush Radio is
today. He was someone who I looked up to and then had the opportunity to work
alongside him.’’ said Yuzriq Meyer, Bush Radio’s Breakfast Rush presenter.
‘’When I started at Bush Radio, I did not know anything
about radio and Bassie was the person who taught me the ins and outs of
broadcasting especially in radio as he did it flawlessly and I admired his
interaction with guests and listeners. He was hardheaded regarding some of his
views but was always open to getting different opinions. Loved joking He was
also a family man, as I recall his children visited the station from
time-to-time. Thanks to him for paving the way for so many people,’’ said
Mkhuseli Veto, Bush Radio’s morning Cruise programme.
Former Bush Radio interns and volunteers also paid respect
to Montewa.
‘’Bassie was around to guide and help so many of us who
walked through the doors of Bush Radio. May he always be blessed,’’ said Zulpha
Khan, former Bush Radio News editor.
‘’I remember volunteering in 2017 and working with Bassie
on Back Chat. He made every day memorable and taught me so much. R.I.P to the
Smooth Operator,’’ said Matthew Zass, former Bush Radio intern.
Molo Songololo founder, Patric Solomon, said Montewa made a
huge contribution to community radio.
‘’This is very sad news. He was always a light of
possibilities and committed to his craft. He helped build and sustain Bush
Radio and made a massive contribution to community radio development.’’
@bushradio895fm In Memory of Bassie Montewa (26 June 1964 – 16 July 2025) It is with heavy hearts that we at Bush Radio share the news of the passing of Bassie Montewa on 16 July 2025. Bassie’s journey with Bush Radio began in 1993 and continued until 2019. As one of our very first volunteers—then known as “Networkers”—Bassie was a central figure in the station’s formative years and growth. He poured his energy, talent, and passion into a variety of roles: from captivating audiences with drama productions, to hosting the beloved afternoon drive-time programme Everyday People, to serving as night-duty manager and later as host of the afternoon programme Backchat. Born on 26 June 1964 and a proud alumnus of Fezeka High School, Bassie was so much more than a broadcaster. He was a devoted media practitioner, a student political activist, and a tireless promoter of local culture. Bassie’s unwavering dedication to grassroots news and social justice made him a pillar of our Bush Radio family and the broader Cape Town community. Bassie’s work focused on sparking meaningful conversations—on health, education, the arts, community activism, and beyond. He firmly believed in the power of radio as a tool for change, using his voice to uplift the unheard. Bassie Montewa’s warmth, mentorship, and vision left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege to work with, or listen to him. We mourn his loss deeply, but also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Bassie is survived by his wife, Mickey, and their two sons, Kgosi and Kgomotso. He is also mourned by his two sisters and brother. Rest in power, Bassie. Thank you for your contribution, your warmth, and your commitment to community media. Your voice will continue to echo through the airwaves of Bush Radio. #bushradio ♬ original sound - BushRadio
Bassie is survived by his wife, Mickey, and their two sons,
Kgosi and Kgomotso. He is also mourned by his two sisters and brother.
Memorial and funeral service arrangements will soon be announced.
Done By: Mitchum George
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