Johannesburg - Kwaito star Mandoza was set to begin a new type of chemotherapy and had lost his eyesight due to the cancer in his brain before he died, family spokesman, Mzwakhe Tshabalala said on Monday.
“His eyesight went away two weeks ago in both eyes and (he) was blind when he died,” Tshabalala said.
He thanked all fellow mourners on social media, radio and television for their support. Mzwakhe particularly thanked President Jacob Zuma for extending his condolences, saying he was not aware Mandoza was of such importance “to us all”.
Mzwake also thanked the media for giving Mandoza exposure across colour lines throughout his career and emphasised his memory deserved dignity. “If he ever wronged anyone, may we forgive him and remember him well.”
Family and close friends of Mandoza took time off mourning to explain some of the events that have been planned ahead of the funeral of Mandoza.
Mandoza’s brother-in-law Lebogang Mphuthi said although this was a difficult time for the star’s wife Mpho, the love and support she was receiving was enabling her to cope.
The memorial service for Mandoza, born Mduduzi Tshabalala, will take place at the Ellis Park Arena, formally known as The Standard Bank Arena, tomorrow at noon. His burial will take place on Saturday and details will be communicated soon.
Mandoza succumbed to his long battle with cancer after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May last year. – Additional reporting by ANA