South African singer-songwriter and media executive Loyiso Bala has confirmed that he is stepping down as Business Manager for the SABC’s Eastern Cape radio stations, Umhlobo Wenene FM and truFM.
Key takeaways
- Loyiso Bala has announced his exit as Business Manager overseeing SABC’s Eastern Cape radio operations, including Umhlobo Wenene FM and truFM.
- He shared the news through an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, describing the position as both demanding and deeply fulfilling.
- Bala thanked the station teams for their trust and praised the presenters, producers, and internal stakeholders who supported his leadership style.
- He credited his faith and his family—especially his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters—for helping him handle the job’s pressure.
- While he didn’t say what he’ll do next, he left the role reflecting on milestones, lessons, and relationships formed during his tenure.
An emotional farewell from Instagram
On Tuesday, Bala posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to mark the close of his time in the role. In his note, he said the day represented the end of his journey as Business Manager for the SABC’s Eastern Cape radio “combo,” covering Umhlobo Wenene FM and truFM.
Describing the assignment as among the toughest and most rewarding leadership responsibilities of his career, he pointed to the weight of the position and the people he had the opportunity to work alongside throughout the period.
Bala then expressed deep appreciation to the teams at both stations, emphasizing that their trust during his tenure meant a great deal to him. He specifically told the UWFM and truFM staff that he had been given more than routine support—he felt genuinely trusted, and he said he would not forget that.
Thanks to colleagues, family, and listeners
Along with thanking station staff, the award-winning musician also acknowledged presenters, producers, and other internal stakeholders who embraced his approach to leadership. He noted that although his methods could sometimes be “unconventional,” everyone continued to show up, and together they built meaningful moments.
Beyond the workplace, Bala saved special gratitude for his family. He attributed his ability to manage the demands of the role to faith, crediting the Lord for guidance, strength, and grace. He also thanked his wife, Jennifer, and his daughters for their steady love and support, saying they carried him through both high points and low points and that he couldn’t have done it without them.
Bala further extended his appreciation to the loyal audiences of Umhlobo Wenene FM and truFM, calling listeners “family” and thanking them for their consistent backing. He added that without the audience, there would have been little reason to keep showing up with the same level of commitment.
What’s next for Loyiso Bala
Although Bala didn’t outline what his next career step will be, he said he is leaving the role with gratitude for the experiences, achievements, and connections he built along the way. In his closing message, he expressed thanks for the milestones reached, lessons learned, and trust shared, and ended with the sentiment that the best is still ahead, using the phrase “Enkosi kakhulu.”
For Bala, the departure signals the end of an important chapter in his broadcasting career.
