It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing away of Buks van der Merwe, Station Development Manager for Feba’s Malawi FM, in South Africa this past week.

On Wednesday 16 September Buks left a gym in Pretoria with severe heart cramps only to succumb to a violent heart attack in hospital around 5pm that same day. Buks is survived by his two children – a son and daughter both in their 20’s – as well as seven brothers and sisters.

Eager to resume his responsibilities in Malawi on behalf of Feba Radio South Africa, Buks returned to South Africa in January 2009 to resume studies in communication and to make application for his Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) for Malawi. He was a regular face at the offices of Feba South Africa where much energetic strategising took place in anticipation of his return to Malawi. Ironically his TEP was granted just weeks before his untimely death which followed exactly one day after his 47th birthday.

We are left bereft by his absence yet consoled by the steadfast love which he had for his heavenly Father whom he loved and served. Feba UK's John Rogers (Board Chairman), Jonathan Frank (Chief Executive) and staff as well as Feba South Africa's Pieter du Toit (Board Chairman), Rev Frik Veldman (National Director) and staff extend heartfelt sorrow and condolences to his family and friends. Our loss is the Lord’s eternal gain.