Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - May 18, 2003
Lesley Mofokeng
The host of a daily show on Yfm announced on Friday that he had been diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.
Khaba, 34, said he had been ill for "a long time" but his condition deteriorated so dramatically this week that he was barely able to walk, and on Wednesday he had to be carried out of the office by station bosses.
Khaba said he had had an HIV test after feeling unwell for some time. He had been "devastated" when informed of his status because he constantly used his show to preach safe sex.
Despite being HIV-positive, the feisty DJ said he had made up his mind that he would get better.
"I am determined to be positive about my future. I have spoken to my family and they are supporting me. I have spoken to Yfm and the whole Y family is supporting me." He added that he was also asking his fans to support him.
Khaba's success is a fairy tale of a taxi driver who became a celebrity host on the country's biggest youth radio station. In addition to his radio show, he has released a number of gold-selling (over 25 000 copies) house compilation albums.
He started with a weekend show The Jam Shack in 1999. It became the most listened-to show on the station. Before moving to his present slot he was Yfm's breakfast host, having replaced Phat Joe.
Khaba is also a sought-after master of ceremonies. In 2000 The Future Magazine named him one of the 15 most influential media personalities in South Africa.
Yfm station manager Greg Maloka said Khaba had the support of the station.
"We see this as an opportunity to highlight the HIV crisis gripping our whole society, and to say that we should not live in denial or be afraid to come out.
"It is possible to live a full life as an HIV-positive person with the right support and love. We are determined to assist Khabzela in every way possible."
Maloka said Khaba's condition would inspire the station to take to a higher level the message that those living with Aids should still have hope.
The station opened a hotline number on Friday for fans wanting to leave messages for the radio star. It reported having received over 200 calls in two hours.
"We have been overwhelmed with offers of help and messages of support for Khabzela," said Siphiwe Mpye, the station's spokesman.
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