Mbangeni, Sikwane’s deaths leave South Africans in shock

South Africans are once again mourning the passing of two phenomenal women from the arts and entertainment space following the death of renowned Imbongi and singer, Jessica Mbangeni, as well as seasoned radio and television personality, Thabiso Sikwane.

Broadcaster and traditionalist, Nonkanyezi Lubisi, says she can still hear her friend, Mbangeni, calling out to her name in a loving voice.

Referring to her as her soulmate, Lubisi says while she is hurt by Mbangeni’s passing, she is comforted by knowing that she has been promoted to the highest level in the spiritual realm.

The 47-year-old, who was well-known for her vibrant Xhosa Praise Poetry, passed away on Saturday at a hospital in Johannesburg after a short illness.

In a heartfelt tribute, Lubisi says whenever Mbangeni entered a room, she filled it with warmth and love.

“Africa my beginning, Africa my ending, greetings Africa,” is how, Lubisi says, Mbangeni always greeted her.

The poet’s work was enjoyed by lovers of the arts across the globe as she had travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Jamaica, among others.

The highly decorated Imbongi won the Best Praise Poet Award at the South African Traditional Music Awards (Satma) in 2017. She was recently nominated at the Basadi in Music Awards, under the Traditional Artist of the year category.

Lubisi says Mbangeni’s passing has left a void in her heart that cannot be filled, a feeling she believes will be felt by all those who loved her work.

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) has also paid tribute to the wordsmith, saying she helped emancipate female and African voices through her poetry.

Contralesa’s secretary general, Zolani Mkiva, says Mbangeni was never phased by patriarchy on what women could or couldn’t do when embracing culture.

According to Mkiva, the 47-year-old also motivated people across the continent to use their talent to contribute to social cohesion.

I think we need part 2 of Asiphelelanga stru🤞🏽This was the worst Women’s month ever😪 #JessicaMbangeni #RIPThabisoSikwane pic.twitter.com/0KRkPNb4xN

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