Rofhiwa ‘Rampsie’ Rampfumedzi died on Sunday, 7 January 2024. He was 36.
Rofhiwa ‘Rampsie’ Rampfumedzi dies: What’s the cause of death?
News of the renowned Phalaphala FM sportscaster first surfaced on Monday evening. In a statement, Limpopo combo business manager Madikana Matjila confirmed the news of Rofhiwa ‘Rampsie’ Rampfumedzi’s death.
“We all are hurt by Rofhiwa’s passing and wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and all the Phalaphala FM listeners. To our sports lovers Rofhiwa delivered with passion sports show. Lastly, we wish to thank all our listeners for sending us their messages of support during this challenging time,” he said.
While an official cause of death has yet to be canvassed, it’s widely believed Rampfumedzi died in hospital following a short illness.
Rofhiwa ‘Rampsie’ Rampfumedzi obituary
Rofhiwa “Rampsie” Rampfumedzi was a remarkable figure in the South African radio and sports journalism landscape, known for his passion, dedication, and impact on the community.
Born on 15 June 1987, in Polokwane, Limpopo, Rofhiwa grew up in a sports-loving family, with his father being a soccer coach and his mother a soccer fan.
This environment nurtured his interest in sports from a young age. He attended Tshilidzini Special School, where he actively participated in various sports activities like soccer, cricket, athletics, and chess, while also excelling academically.
After completing his matriculation, Rofhiwa pursued higher education at the University of Limpopo, where he studied media studies and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2009.
He further enhanced his academic credentials by obtaining an honours degree in journalism from the same university in 2010.
His educational journey didn’t end there; he also acquired a diploma in sports management from the Tshwane University of Technology, solidifying his expertise in the field.
Rofhiwa’s career in sports journalism began at Makhado FM, a community radio station, in 2009, followed by a stint at Univen Radio, a campus radio station, in 2010.
This early experience laid the foundation for his later achievements. He joined Phalaphala FM as a volunteer in 2011, quickly becoming a permanent employee.
At Phalaphala FM, he hosted the weekday sports hour, Zwamitambo, and co-hosted the weekend sports show, Hu Duba Buse, covering significant events like the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
His interviews with notable sports personalities and features on local sports stars highlighted his deep engagement with the sports world.
Rofhiwa’s multifaceted talents extended beyond presenting. He was also a sports analyst, commentator, and writer, contributing sports articles to various publications and online platforms.
His professional integrity, fluency, and humour won him several awards, including the Best Sports Presenter Award at the Phalaphala FM Awards and the Best Sports Journalist Award at the Limpopo Media Awards.
In addition to his radio career, Rofhiwa’s love for music and his commitment to his home province led him to become a producer, music compiler, and presenter at Phalaphala FM.
He curated Soul and R&B music on Sundays and served as the Limpopo SABC sports chairperson, reflecting his dedication to local culture and sports.
Tributes following news of Rampsie’s death
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Rampfumedzi’s life story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. His journey from a small town in Limpopo to becoming a respected voice in South African sports journalism and radio is a source of inspiration for many.
Here are some of the tributes we picked: