Earlier today, it was announced that beloved former SABC news anchor, Noxolo Grootboom would be returning to TV to anchor the news coverage for the recently deceased Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's state funeral.
94.7 Highveld Stereo's Thembekile Mrototo planted the seed when he made the request via social media after the news of Winnie's death broke.
Mrototo then went on to confirm that his request had been granted...
We've been granted our wish! Mam'Noxolo Grootboom will anchor the SABC's broadcast of Mam'Winnie's funeral on 14 April. pic.twitter.com/wWcKgXvZST
— thembekile (@ThembiMrototo) April 3, 2018
And Grootboom confirmed the news herself in a short video
The legend is back on air for a while...Catch Mam’Noxolo Grootboom anchoring the 1pm Xhosa news bulletin on SABC 1 today....#Sabcnews pic.twitter.com/VSUGHrzbtv
— Lopang Alamu (@LopangAlamu) April 3, 2018
Grootboom became incredibly popular due to the line she said at the end of every broadcast; “ndinithanda nonke emakhaya” which loosely translates to, “I love you all at home.” She quit her job as an anchor and now works as a news editor for the afternoon and evening SABC 1 news bulletins.
Fans of Grootboom have been expressing their excitement ever since the news broke.
Yhuuu SA’s request has been heard and granted. Mam Noxolo Grootboom is befitting this honor. ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 https://t.co/bNYX7ONYn5
— Miss Gece (@KhanyiGee) April 3, 2018
I hope SABC-NEWS was ready! This is the time to bring out Noxolo Grootboom out of retirement for a week and @LeanneManas better be ready to do wall to wall coverage!
— PhathuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) April 2, 2018
Mam’ Noxolo Grootboom 🙌🏾🙌🏾
— Ayanda N Makhanya (@Yeyeye_yaya) April 3, 2018
There couldn't be a better one than Sis Noxolo Grootboom. I wish Sbongile Sokhulu was there.
— Boutros (@bohlalewiseman) April 3, 2018
Mam’ Noxolo Grootboom is an institution on her own. A consummate professional and brilliant newscaster.
— Bonga Dlulane (@DlulaneMonwa) April 3, 2018
A role model for many of us in broadcasting. 🔥🔥🔥
Noxolo Grootboom!!!! What a woman 🔥
— Mabel (@PhopsTheko_) April 3, 2018
Main image credit: xhosaculture.co.za