Putco Mafani's surprise 50th a glittering affair

IT WAS a night of laughter, tears and joy at Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter Putco Mafani's surprise 50th birthday party planned by his wife, Bongiwe, and their children at the weekend.

Family, friends and colleagues from near and far gathered at the Summerstrand Hotel in Port Elizabeth to celebrate Mafani's big day. Among the guests were Mafani's mother, Nomalungelo, 74, and UDM president Bantu Holomisa.

"It was very challenging to organise the party without my husband knowing about it ... The most difficult part was having to explain why we needed so much money," Bongiwe, 31, said.

Speakers reminisced about the good times they had had with Mafani.

Mafani's children, Chulu, 26, Noni, 24, Mooki, 24, Buhle, 21, Imbo, 7, and Lusenathi, 5, were also present. Some of them gave moving speeches about how blessed they were to have Mafani as a father. Noni described him as a person who would rather go without so his children could have.

"Even during the tough times we never knew the struggle because dad made sure our childhood was perfect. From tough love to laughter to family road trips, tears and heartaches, dad has always been there."

His son Mooki, who Mafani met for the first time last year and is the spitting image of his father, read an emotional poem dedicated to his father.

Holomisa had everyone laughing when he gave his speech. He said: "I will get straight to the point because you know in parliament I am only given three minutes to speak as I come from a small political party."

Mafani's mother said she was happy for her son. "I wish him many more years and I pray that as he grows he remains the same person he is."

Umhlobo Wenene's station manager, Phumzile Mnci, said since Mafani had taken over the breakfast show in 2010, the listenership had grown from 700000 to 1.7-million.

Mafani thanked everyone and announced his project, the Putco Mafani Foundation, which will mobilise funds to develop children from Fort Beaufort and Butterworth where he spent nine years of his childhood.

"This was indeed a good surprise. I am seeing people I haven't seen in ages. I don't have enough words to thank my wife and kids. I would also like to share with my breakfast show fans that from Monday Mafa Bavuma is coming back to the BEE family."

Businessman Khusta Jack ended the night with a toast to the couple. - Yoliswa Sobuwa