This week, relatives, friends, and coworkers of the late veteran broadcaster Lungiswa “Lulu” Haarmans gathered to honour her colourful life.
The former host of Umhlobo Wenene was known for her exquisite body of work behind the microphone, which she presented to her audience for many years.
At her burial ceremony on Thursday, speakers took turns honouring Haarmans, with some stating that she elevated the standard for radio.
A colleague and friend of the deceased, Sibongile James, reflected on their path as broadcasting-passionate women.
“I shared a flat with her, worked with her and lived with her through all that life gives to a person. She was so good at her job so much that when you were working with her, you had to do a proper research before you go on air,” said James.
Keith Ngesi, the owner of Keith Ngesi Radio (KNR), employed Haarmans after her dismissal from the public broadcaster in 2019. He said that her death had left him shattered.
“I can talk about Lulu from her being in community radio stations to the public broadcaster, but I choose to focus on her working with us at KNR,” Ngesi said.
“When we started working together, I was nervous because she was of a higher calibre. Her name was big but she was not like that, she made sure that her colleagues, who are less experienced than her, do not feel small in her presence.”
Haarmans passed away last Friday at the age of 41. She will be buried in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, on Saturday.
Ulale ngoxolo mfokabawo Lulu Haarmans pic.twitter.com/7W787uUo7A
— BlewDot (@blew_dot) January 13, 2023
Lulu Haarmans had such a beautiful radio voice. Khanya Gqiyazana nalapho uya khona❤️
— Zintle (@Zintle_N) January 13, 2023
Lulu Haarmans is no more. My heart 🥺😔💔. I will miss that voice
— Ntwenhle 🌻 (@lindo___m) January 13, 2023
»Late veteran broadcaster Lungiswa “Lulu” Haarmans to be buried on Saturday in Makhanda«