son of Vuyo Mbuli Watched his Dad Collapse

Quick-thinking spectators took his son, Sithenkosi, away from the scene but, according to Mbuli family spokeswoman Rowena Baird, he had already seen enough to traumatise him.

Mbuli, who co-anchored Morning Live on SABC2 with Leanne Manas, died on Saturday night in Bloemfontein following a rugby match at the Free State Stadium between the Cheetahs and the Reds.

The 46-year-old father of two had gone with his son and a friend to watch the rugby match.

Paramedics rushed to his aid and he was transferred to Mediclinic Bloemfontein, where he later died.

At the hospital yesterday, Sowetan was referred to Baird who confirmed that the charismatic presenter, who also worked for SAfm, had passed away.

"Yes indeed he was rushed to the Bloemfontein Mediclinic," Baird said.

"If I am not mistaken, he arrived after 9pm and passed away at 9.50pm."

She said that as soon as the paramedics arrived at the stadium, they had desperately tried to save Mbuli's life.

"From the stadium, the medics had been trying to resuscitate him until they arrived at the hospital," she said.

Asked if Mbuli was still alive when he had arrived at the hospital, Baird said: "That's correct."

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago confirmed this, saying: "Mbuli was treated on the scene and taken to the Bloemfontein Mediclinic where he later died."

Baird said funeral arrangements had not yet been made.

"It is still early, we haven't made arrangements yet because we are still trying to find our feet."

Mbuli, known for his trademark "Sharp Sharp" at the end of Morning Live, leaves behind his two children, Sithenkosi and 15-year-old daughter Siphosihle, and his estranged wife Savita.

"The family was very devastated," Baird said.

Baird said the family was waiting for a postmortem to determine the cause of death.

Tributes poured in for Mbuli from shocked colleagues who were saddened by his sudden death. - selebim@sowetan.co.za
story from; www.sowetanlive.com