Noxolo Grootboom bids farewell to Mzansi

 By: Staff Writer 

Veteran News Anchor Noxolo Grootboom

South Africans will always remember 30 March 2021 as the day veteran broadcaster Noxolo Grootboom bid a final goodbye to SABC Iindaba viewers after decades on the small screen.

The 60-year-old's legendary sign-off "Ndinithanda nonke emakhaya" on SABC 1 was an emotional one for her on Tuesday after saying it for more than three decades. 

All eyes were on her at 19:00 as she read her last news bulletin in isiXhosa. 

She is retiring after being with the state broadcaster for 37 years.

Before articulating her sign-off, which can be loosely translated as, "I love you all at home", Grootboom said the love she had received from fellow South Africans had left her in awe. 

"Over the past years, you have raised the calibre of isiXhosa news and helped raise its bar, and at the same time, you also lifted me and placed me in a higher space. 

"In this way, you instilled humility in me…" she said.

Grootboom thanked South Africans for their unwavering love and support, and encouraged them to continue showing it while they worked toward ending issues the country faced. 

"Issues that put a strain on our country… You loved me, and I loved you. May you sleep tonight with the robe of harmony, peace and love. I love you all at home," she said, struggling to hold back her tears.