
Thami Shobede was suffering from depression when he collapsed while performing on stage about a week ago and later died.
According to his mother Mantombi Buthelezi, who told Sunday Times, he was admitted to hospital for observation last Friday because he was feeling weak, she still did not know what caused his death.
Buthelezi said, “The doctor told us he was suffering from depression. I wasn’t really surprised but I didn’t think it would lead to this. On Monday he was fine but on Thursday he gave in.”
She further told the publication that her son's sudden illness could have come from the pressure she believed he was under as the family’s sole breadwinner.
“He wasn’t a talkative child, so it was hard to tell where he was emotional. Lately, he closed himself in his room for hours. I wish he had spoken to us as his family, I wish I could comfort him. Not so long ago he sent me a message, telling me he will make me proud even though things aren’t going great. He wanted me to trust him and I did.”