AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
THIRTY seven years ago she arrived at the South African Broadcasting Corporation as a typist, yesterday Noxolo Grootboom left as a legendary broadcaster, who even forced the president of the country to change his schedule to fit in with hers.
When it became clear that Grootboom’s last news bulletin would clash with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation, it was not the broadcaster who yielded but the head of state.
Ramamposa said: “We decided to delay the start of this address to the nation by half an hour because a legend of South African broadcasting, Ms Noxolo Grootboom, presented her last isiXhosa bulletin at 7 pm on SABC News this evening.
“I wish to pay tribute to Ms Grootboom as an outstanding journalist who, throughout her distinguished career, brought historic events in our country and across the world into the living rooms of our nation. We wish Ms Grootboom well, and thank her for her many years of service. Sifuna ukuthi, kumakhaya ngamakhaya, Siyakuthanda.”
Grootboom’s last bulletin and her farewell to the millions who have watched her on TV for over three decades was an emotional rollercoaster. As she uttered her famous words ‘Ndi ni thanda nonke emakhaya’ (I love you all at home), she was overcome with raw emotions, tears streamed down her face as the curtain came down on illustrious career.
Once she left the studio, for the last time, she was met by colleagues who sang for her and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. As colleagues paid tribute to her, citing her warmth, professionalism, among her tributes, the tears flowed, again.
Grootboom said leaving broadcasting was like the severance of an umbilical cord. “I feel so bad. I feel like a mother abandoning a child, not just anywhere, but in a dustbin.”
Her supporters praised her not only for her elegance, dignity and grace but promoting one of South Africa’s indigenious languages, isiXhosa.
During her career, Grootboom hosted many national events, including the official funeral of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
