Cape Town - Popular SABC sports analyst and anchor David Kekana has died aged 47 after a prolonged battle with diabetes-related illnesses.
Kekana had previously been employed at the SABC for 18 years and became a household name in local football punditry circles.
Tributes poured in on social media following Kekana’s death:
Today we woke up to devastating news of the passing of veteran football Analyst, David Kekana. His contribution to football analysis spans close to 2 decades & his commitment to sports development will be sorely missed. We send our sympathies to his loved ones #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/DTeCsfCeMY
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) August 26, 2019
Condolences to the family and friends of the late Football analyst, #DavidKekana
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) August 26, 2019
As the Football family, we are still in shock and mourn his passing - man who loved the game. #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/V9KjDAaM60
A smile that lit up the room!Passionate, loving, generous to a fault...larger than life character. You lived your life to the fullest. Go well bra yaka, robala Letebele!We pray strength for your family during this difficult time #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/KCJeJLeXY7
— Thabiso TT Tema (@ThabisoTema) August 26, 2019
#RIPDavidKekana ????
— Sjukie (@thabang_lepule) August 26, 2019
The last images I tool of @DavidKekana - It was an honor - May your soul Rest in eternity pic.twitter.com/gjWZHC4XYp
Farewell my brother, it seems like each day we receive sad news on how we’ve become poorer as a country as some of our most gifted depart. Yours too is sudden and shock to all of us. Until we meet again ??? #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/dD7Q5wAmTJ
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix 100days (@MbalulaFikile) August 26, 2019
So sad to hear this news. #RIPDavidKekana you were such an important voice and a great asset to our public broadcaster. You will be sorely missed ???? https://t.co/IqEXDX5SmN
— Peter Ndoro (@peterndoro) August 26, 2019
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the death of former colleague David Kekana. I worked with David for years on SABC Sport, where he was a wonderful analyst.. He would joke we were twins - both named David, both born on 2 November and both married to white women. #RIPDavidKekana
— David O'Sullivan (@davidosullie) August 26, 2019
A sad day for the football fraternity to lose one of our best. #RIPDavidKekana condolences to the Kekana family.
— Julia Stuart (@JuliaStuart_SA) August 26, 2019
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of one of our longest serving sports analyst and soccer fanatic David Kekana.
— SABC1 (@Official_SABC1) August 26, 2019
His contribution to the sporting fraternity will be missed. #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/3sfP9PFzhW
Learning of your passing is a big shock to me. It's also a monumental loss for us who knew you and work side by side with you. I'll personally be forever indebted to you, Daiza! You know just how much you've done for me. #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/i66dSuNM1D
— Lelo MZACA?? (@LeloMzaca) August 26, 2019
You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those you can’t forget. Rest In Peace my brother, my friend.#RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/6jJVOD2iYQ
— muhsin ertugral (@Muhsin1959) August 26, 2019
#RIPDavidKekana Always so kind and generous. Will cherish the few years I got to work with you. You were committed to showcasing young sporting talent right to the end. What a loss ??????
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) August 26, 2019
Heartfelt Condolences to the Family and Friends of the late Football Analyst Grootman #DavidKekana
— IIKHUNE3216 (@IIKHUNE_32_16) August 26, 2019
As the Football Family, we are still in shock and mourn his passing - man who loved and Dedicated his life to the game. #RIPDavidKekana ???? pic.twitter.com/nvPfbiSiEV
Ajax Cape Town would like to send out their deepest condolences to the Kekana family after the passing of well known sports analyst David Kekana.
— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) August 26, 2019
Rest well ??#RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/kuWuCZ1u6z
Sad news coming in is that Sportscaster @DavidKekana has died following his battle with chronic diabetes. Condolences to the Kekana family and close friends. #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/oLYAH0j2X8
— Gershawn Coetzee © (@gershawncoetzee) August 26, 2019
We send our condolences the family and friends of Mzansi’s veteran sports analyst and soccer fanatic David Kekana. Kekane worked at the SABC for 18 years. His contribution to the sporting fraternity will be missed. #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/OIg2vXP0aH
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 26, 2019