Traditional leaders at the funeral of Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter DJ Saba Mbixane made a passionate plea to the government to build a monument in his honour.
This would acknowledge his role in promoting African tradition.
An estimated 7000 people attended the moving memorial which became a festive celebration of traditional music, dress and culture.
Mourners whistled and danced to traditional imfene tunes.
At the time of his death two weeks ago, following a motorbike accident last month, the charismatic and versatile radio personality commanded a listenership of two million fans.
The monument would also serve as a tourist attraction, said leaders.
Mbixane’s funeral, held at a local stadium near his family home yesterday, was a huge celebration of a life lived large.
Thousands of mourners, including local villagers, his colleagues, politicians, musicians, traditional leaders and journalists, many of them veterans, arrived in traditional gear in honour of Mbixane.
They gathered in the mountainous area of Mandileni village outside Mount Frere to bid farewell to the iconic radio personality who was hailed as a farmer, philanthropist and businessman.
Mourners came from as far as Lesotho and Swaziland.
Madzikane kaZulu Royal House secretary-general Zanengoma Makaula said Mbixane’s grave would serve as an ancestral site for his children and family members.
“He is a historical figure. That’s why we want a monument to be erected in his honour. The monument will be a destination for tourism and job creation,” said Makaula.
Mbixane’s mentor and former radio presenter Welcome Bodloza Nzimande said a monument to Mbixane would be a “positive and innovative” way to sustain traditional music.
“It can work to ensure that his name is not forgotten. He has contributed a lot,” said Nzimande, adding that Mbixane’s death posed to huge replacement challenge for Umhlobo Wenene.
“They will need someone who is gifted and passionate about his roots so that the music remains alive,” he said.
Three people were slightly injured when a tent was blown away by the wind during the Saturday night vigil. Bikers added to the fanfare at the memorial when they rode in, revving their bikes in tribute.
The memorial was attended by Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, Deputy Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, OR Tambo District Municipality mayor Khosi Meth, Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vani, AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcau and Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase, Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, Contralesa secretary-general Nkosi Xolile Ndevu, members of parliament, MPLs, mayors, ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane and the head of the national heritage council, advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
Call for monument to honour DJ Saba
This would acknowledge his role in promoting African tradition.
An estimated 7000 people attended the moving memorial which became a festive celebration of traditional music, dress and culture.
Mourners whistled and danced to traditional imfene tunes.
At the time of his death two weeks ago, following a motorbike accident last month, the charismatic and versatile radio personality commanded a listenership of two million fans.
The monument would also serve as a tourist attraction, said leaders.
Mbixane’s funeral, held at a local stadium near his family home yesterday, was a huge celebration of a life lived large.
Thousands of mourners, including local villagers, his colleagues, politicians, musicians, traditional leaders and journalists, many of them veterans, arrived in traditional gear in honour of Mbixane.
They gathered in the mountainous area of Mandileni village outside Mount Frere to bid farewell to the iconic radio personality who was hailed as a farmer, philanthropist and businessman.
Mourners came from as far as Lesotho and Swaziland.
Madzikane kaZulu Royal House secretary-general Zanengoma Makaula said Mbixane’s grave would serve as an ancestral site for his children and family members.
“He is a historical figure. That’s why we want a monument to be erected in his honour. The monument will be a destination for tourism and job creation,” said Makaula.
Mbixane’s mentor and former radio presenter Welcome Bodloza Nzimande said a monument to Mbixane would be a “positive and innovative” way to sustain traditional music.
“It can work to ensure that his name is not forgotten. He has contributed a lot,” said Nzimande, adding that Mbixane’s death posed to huge replacement challenge for Umhlobo Wenene.
“They will need someone who is gifted and passionate about his roots so that the music remains alive,” he said.
Three people were slightly injured when a tent was blown away by the wind during the Saturday night vigil. Bikers added to the fanfare at the memorial when they rode in, revving their bikes in tribute.
The memorial was attended by Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, Deputy Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, OR Tambo District Municipality mayor Khosi Meth, Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vani, AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcau and Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase, Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, Contralesa secretary-general Nkosi Xolile Ndevu, members of parliament, MPLs, mayors, ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane and the head of the national heritage council, advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
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