A threat to the late “Queen of African Pop”, Brenda Fassie; a loving father who was not celebrated enough for his contribution to the arts sector are some of the tributes friends, industry colleagues and relatives paid to two late South African legends, Winnie Khumalo and Victor Bogopane, affectionately known as Doc Shebeleza.
The duo’s memorial services were held at separate venues in Johannesburg. They both passed away, two days apart, last week.
The 51-year-old Khumalo took her last breath after a brief illness at her home in Soweto, while Shebeleza succumbed to a long illness.
Well-known public figures, including Somizi, Chicco Twala, former Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Jeff Radebe, were among the speakers at Khumalo’s memorial service, which was held at the Market Theatre.
The 51-year-old mother of two’s best friend, Khanyi Maphumulo, who has known Khumalo for over two decades, expressed her grief of having to deal with the new reality of the singer and actress’s infinite physical absence.
She also vowed to support Khumalo’s children.
“I am so crushed, I am so sad, especially on behalf of Winnie Khumalo’s children. Rethabile is worse because Winnie departed in front of her,” said Maphumulo.
Media icon and friend, Somizi Mhlongo, remarked how Khumalo’s demise will prove to be a pivotal point in her children and loved one’s lives.
“Let me tell you, nothing will ever be the same again. Do not force to completely heal. Time does not heal a wound; it only makes it better,” he said.
“Remember that it’s natural for you to cry again in the next 20 years; the same way you are crying today. It’s okay. Nobody should tell you how long you should mourn. You must mourn as much as you can because there will be moments when the wound will feel fresh,” opined Mhlongo.
Another heartfelt speech was delivered by legendary musician Chicco Twala, who says he met Khumalo when he was 14 years old and saw her as his sister.
Twala praised Khumalo for her undeniable talent as a musician.
“What a singer. I always told her that the way sings, Brenda Fassie needs to watch out,” remarked the legendary composer, singer and producer.
He says even though him and Khumalo often quarrelled, he would be the first person she contacts once her partner troubled her.
Former Justice and Constitutional Development Minster, Jeff Radebe, used his opportunity to speak at the memorial to reflect on Khumalo’s commitment to the music industry and the ANC.
He shared how the singer was instrumental in creating some of the iconic songs that the former ruling party uses in its campaigns.
He also urged Khumalo’s loved ones to continue to support each other.
“Winnie did her job. Where she is she is most probably happy because she has done all that she had to do. I urge all of us to continue to hold and support each other because one important thing I know Winnie want between her loved ones is Love and Unity,” said Radebe.
Doc Shebelza’s memorial service was held at the SABC in Auckland Park.
Emotions surged at the event, when all his children took to the stage – hailing him as a loving, caring, and family-oriented father.
They even joined in on Cassper Nyovest’s tribute to the Kwaito legend.
Veteran artist, Abigail Kubheka, said the late Doc Shebeleza was not celebrated enough for his contribution to the arts and society at large.
Kubheka relayed stories of how she met Doc Shebezela at the peak of his career and how they moved around the country building homes for the less fortunate through the African Artists Against HIV Foundation.
She said Shebeleza’s death has robbed her of a son, a father, and a friend, signifying the many roles he played in her life.
Veteran singer and songwriter, Blondie Makhene, has called for the 51-year-old to be honoured with an honorary Doctorate, posthumously. Written by Odirile Rabolao
Written by: Lindiwe Mabena
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