18 September 2016 – SA President Jacob Zuma joined in thousands of South Africans and Zimbabweans in extending his condolences upon the death of popular kwaito musician Mduduzi Tshabalala, popularly know as Mandoza.
South Africa has lost one of its pioneers whose music appealed to a cross-section of people, young and old, and was known to have achieved the unique crossover culturally to be enjoyed by both black and white South Africans, Zuma said in a statement issued by the presidency.
Mandoza, died at the age of 38, after a long battle with cancer after beings diagnosed with a brain tumor in May last year.
His family says the Kwaito star died after being taken to hospital on Sunday morning. He had been admitted to hospital a week ago, with his family saying he had been discharged and was in a stable condition.
In a recent interview with Drum magazine, Mandoza’s wife Mpho opened up about how they believed he would beat the cancer after he did his last performance early this month at the Thank You SABC Concert.
Mandoza had been diagnosed with pharyngeal carcinoma, which is a type of head and neck cancer, that generally starts in the throat and nose.
“It is a great loss to the nation and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mpho, his family, and hordes of fans. Mandoza will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace,” added Zuma.
Meanwhile the DA spokesperson Phumzile van Damme says: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of bereavement.”
Also weighing in was Department of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa who said: “iIt is with immense sadness that we learn’t about the untimey pass of Kwaito music legend Mdudzi Mandoza Tshabalala. A Baobab tree has fallen.” – Patience Rusere
