Pretoria – Kwaito legend Mandoza’s music inspired and united South Africans from all walks of life, says Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi.
“It transcended race, class and gender as it encouraged his audience to reach for their dreams, give back to their communities and to stay focused,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said on Friday.
Speaking during the funeral of Mandoza at the Grace Bible Church in Soweto, she said the outpouring of tributes testify to the fact that Mandoza touched many lives, here at home and beyond the borders.
Mandoza, whose real name is Mduduzi Tshabalala, died on Sunday after battling cancer.
“Given his humble beginnings, it would never have been easy to predict the kind of impact that Mandoza would have in society.
“Having grown up in Soweto, he was full of ambition and was determined to rise above conditions of the township,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said.
She said Mandoza was a treasure to South Africa and his passing has left a gaping hole in the entertainment industry.
“Mandoza loved life; let us continue to celebrate the extraordinary life led by this gigantic icon.
“Let us rejoice in the realisation that Mandoza made good use of his talents and contributed meaningfully to humanity during his lifetime,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said.
Mandoza will be buried at the West Park Cemetery, in Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za
