The Confederation of KwaZulu-Natal artists’ unions, the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (Ccifsa), has suggested that Ladysmith Black Mambazo legend Albert Mazibuko, who passed away on Sunday after an illness, be honored with a provincial funeral.
Mazibuko (77), died in a hospital in Durban after suffering from an illness. He just dies, and he is the only one who has been in the group since he joined in 1969. The Chairman of Ccifsa in KZN, Thokozani “T’zozo” Zulu, said Mazibuko’s passing hurt them as they learned a lot from him as artists.
“The presence of Mambazo took KZN and South Africa and highlighted it internationally. It will be remembered that Mazibuko’s fathers are pioneers who won Grammys not once, not twice, not three times but five times. We have lost a lot as artists. The Mambazo brothers have not lost each other but we have all lost because we looked up to our father and his colleagues,” said T’zozo.
He said that because of his contributions, they felt it was appropriate for him to be honored with a state funeral.
“We wish that the Prime Minister of KZN respects his concealment and honors him at the provincial level,” said T’zozo.
The spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Thami Ntuli, Mr. Bongani Gina, said the family should write a letter to the prime minister’s office, stating that he would be happy if he was honored with a state funeral because of his experience.
“The Prime Minister will then take a letter to the president of the country and say that as KZN we have lost a pioneer like this and we as a province feel it is appropriate that he be honored with a state funeral,” said Gina.
The spokesperson for Mambazo, Xolani Majozi, said they will wait for the Minister of Arts and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal, Mntomuhle Khawula, to meet with the family tomorrow and get a guide.
“Currently, no such talk has come up because we have been waiting for the trustee to come, maybe he will be the one to suggest it in his opinion,” said Majozi.
Majozi also confirmed that the funeral date will be April 18, where he hails from Estcourt. He said the location is yet to be confirmed. He also explained Mazibuko’s first name, which is Mdletshe.
“Actually, his name is Mudliwetshe, but when he went to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he was told that there is no such thing, he is Mdletshe.”
He concluded by thanking the messages of condolence that keep coming in.
“We are very comforted by the messages. I have been looking at the incoming messages and there are many people who are showing great sympathy for the family. Even the international media are reporting,” said Majozi.