Call for fair reporting on #Mandoza

Mzwakhe Tshabalala, uncle of kwaito legend Mandoza (Mduduzi Tshabalala), speaks as the Tshabalala family held a media briefing at the Soweto Theatre on Monday. Next to him is Tokollo Tshabalala and his manager and friend, Kevin Ntaopane. Picture: Itumeleng English

Mzwakhe Tshabalala, uncle of kwaito legend Mandoza (Mduduzi Tshabalala), speaks as the Tshabalala family held a media briefing at the Soweto Theatre on Monday. Next to him is Tokollo Tshabalala and his manager and friend, Kevin Ntaopane. Picture: Itumeleng English

Published Sep 20, 2016

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Johannesburg - “I want it to be known that Mandoza (Mduduzi Tshabalala) is no charity case. Many a time you all wait to report on musicians’ deaths and say they died as paupers.”

This was the retort from businessman Mahlomola Kekana, who worked closely with Mandoza, as he lashed out at the media for what he suggested was sensational and negative reporting about musicians.

He said if reporters had been fishing for sensational stories about artists, Mandoza was not the type.

“Mduduzi was a husband, a father from a loving family who will take care of all funeral arrangements,” said Kekana.

He was speaking at a media briefing at the Soweto Theatre on Monday.

Family and close friends mourning Mandoza spoke of the events that have been planned ahead of the funeral. Mandoza died on Sunday.

At times, the media briefing seemed to resemble a memorial service. The kwaito star’s son Tokollo Tshabalala, uncle Mzwakhe Tshabalala, brother-in-law Lebogang Mphuthi and his manager Kevin Ntaopane were all present.

Former Chiskop group member Siphiwe “General” Sibisi as well as musician Doc Shebeleza and other local artists were present to support the Tshabalala family.

Ntaopane recalled what he witnessed as he held Mandoza during his final moments. “When his wife Mpho summoned me to their home on Sunday morning, she told me he was not looking well. I had to race there with nearly an empty fuel tank to get him to hospital.

“I remember kissing his feet, telling him everything will be okay. Then, just three minutes before we arrived at the hospital, he left us. I am still in shock, for I have never witnessed something like that.”

Family spokesperson Mzwakhe Tshabalala said Mandoza was set to begin a new type of chemotherapy and had lost his eyesight due to the cancer in his brain. “His eyesight went away two weeks ago in both eyes. He was blind when he died.”

He thanked fellow mourners on social media, radio and television for their support. Mzwakhe particularly thanked President Jacob Zuma for his condolences, saying he was not aware Mandoza was of such importance “to us all”.

Mzwakhe also thanked the media for giving Mandoza exposure across colour lines throughout his career and emphasised that his memory deserved dignity. “If he ever wronged anyone, may we forgive him and remember him well.”

Mphuthi said although this was a difficult time for Mpho, the love and support she was receiving was enabling her cope.

Mandoza’s memorial service will take place at the Ellis Park Arena, formerly known as the Standard Bank Arena on Wednesday at noon.

He will be buried on Saturday, with details to be communicated in the next few days.

Mandoza succumbed to his long battle with cancer. – Additional reporting by ANA

@June_Hlongwane1

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