Zimpapers Logo

THE late kwaito superstar Mduduzi Mandoza Tshabalala was laid to rest next to South African legends Gugu Zulu, Flabba and Simba Mhere yesterday afternoon.

Mourners made their way to West Park Cemetery following an emotionally-charged funeral service for a person many described as a “hero.”

So it was only fitting that Mandoza be laid to rest next to other SA heroes including racing car driver Gugu Zulu who died two months ago‚ rapper Flabba‚ Simba Mhere‚ Baby Jake and Eddie Zondi.

Speaking at Mandoza’s funeral service his widow‚ Mpho, promised to keep her husband’s legacy alive and thanked the nation for the overwhelming support that she had received during this difficult time.

“It’s been 18 years now‚ I love him and I will love him till I die. I know he will send me a ball of fire from heaven and I will raise our children‚” she said.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Grace Bible Church in Soweto to bid a final farewell to the kwaito legend.

The mood at the church was sombre as the funeral service got underway.

A giant sized picture of Mandoza stood at the front on the stage as soft religious hymns were played.

At the memorial service held to celebrate the legend’s life on Thursday, MEC of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko, hailed Mandoza as an ambassador of Zola, the township in which he grew up.

She said it was because of him that artistes from Zola such as Mzambiya and Mshoza had the confidence to join the industry and believe in their talent.

Mandoza was full of life and did not allow anything to get him down, even in his final days, said Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

“This was a brave lion. He looked death in the eye and said ‘iyahlanya le cancer’,” Mthethwa said.

The service was a tribute and a coming together of veteran kwaito artists. —Times Live