WATCH: 'Thanks for not being a celebrity with us'

THE children of the late Ukhozi FM presenter, Bheka "Beekay" Mchunu thanked him for loving them loudly and proudly.

They paid their last respects to their father, who passed away on Tuesday, 12 March after complaining about chest pain. His funeral service was held at Beekay's ancestral hometown in Empangeni, north of KZN on Sunday, 17 March.

Beekay's daughter, Ziyanda thanked her father for excelling in his role as a father.

She said: "Thank you for not being a celebrity with us but a father that any child would dream of. You showered us with unconditional love."

Ziyanda, who is the eldest daughter, asked God to guide them as they begin a new journey of living without their dear father.

"To all my siblings please trust God that He will carry us through and whenever you need a shoulder to cry on, I will be here as your big sister," she said.

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Beekay presented the maskandi show, Sigiya Ngengoma, which aired every Saturday. Ukhozi FM presenters and management were also present to bid their farewell to Beekay.

His co-host, Bingelela Mpanza said she doesn't even have the strength to stand as she feels unbearable pain.

Bingelela said: "I know that Beekay was not well and he has been feeling unwell for some time. It was very painful to watch him when the sickness attacked, he would cry and complain about not being able to breathe."

His producer, Bonga "Sphongo" Dladla said Beekay loved his work and was very dedicated to his work. "He would call even at midnight to discuss his upcoming show because he wanted everything he did to be perfect," he said.

Beekay's close friend, Lungelo "Ngelo V" Vilane said Beekay lit many lights for other people, but no one showed up when it was time for his light to be lit.

"Beekay needed us, but we failed him. My friend even suffered from stress and depression because he was worried about his complications," said Ngelo V.

He added that Beekay was not himself, his condition made him less of a normal being.

"In his last days all he did was sleep because he didn't want to be out because he believed that this condition was turning him into a joke. It was painful to watch him in that condition and space," he said.

Maskandi singer, Thokozani Langa said: "Mchunu, we thank you for loving us as your brothers. You were always available and willing to learn."

Minister of Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa thanked the family for lending them their son to serve the nation.