He started at Radio Bop in 1988 and presented the Afternoon and Breakfast shows. He also presented a Music Video show on Bop TV. Mabena joined Metro FM in 1992 and presented the Morning and Afternoon Drives. Mabena also presented a few shows on SABC TV. He joined Primedia in 1996 at Highveld Stereo and became Music Manager of 94.7. He also did a short stint as General Manager at the station. Mabena moved to Kaya in 1999 for a Breakfast show. He joined SABC as the Director Strategy for Commercial Services (Radio & TV), but left in 2009.