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With his understanding of many languages Dr Nene distinguished himself as an Interpreter at the Supreme Court when he was
appointed in 2004.
In 2006, Dr Nene was awarded with an award of Amaqhawe (heroes) of Ukhozi FM as well as the Veteran Newscaster Award.
Dr Nene notably served for more than 20 years at Ukhozi FM, which had undergone name changes such as Radio Bantu in 1960
when it started, then Radio Zulu in 1975, and finally renamed Ukhozi FM in 1996 in line with the democratic principles of a new
South Africa.
He further wrote a book about Zulu culture and customs, which he intended to be published after he had passed on. The title of the
book is Tapa Zingakewukeli – meaning one must grab knowledge while it is still there. Dr Nene was also famous for his ability to
write and produce plays on air, and one of his most-loved plays on radio was named Isigcawu Senkantolo, literally meaning a court
scene.
In 2008, Dr Nene was honoured by the Muhle Museum – a museum about the struggles for dignity by ordinary people – as one of
the eThekwini (Durban) Living Legends. Dr Nene passed away, on his birthday on 19 September 2008, at the age of 64.
We are proud to honour Dr Thokozani Mandlenkosi Ernest Nene with the Order of Ikhamanga in Bronze for his contribution to
enriching African languages and his contribution to the development of our culture.
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