Ncwane death shocks nation
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu have expressed shock at the death of award-winning gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane, whom they described as a gifted singer “who left an indelible mark.”
Ncwane’s family were baffled and shocked at the news of his sudden passing.
His distraught sister Gugulethu Ncwane said they had received news that Ncwane had died yesterday morning.
By the afternoon, the news had filtered down to the community in Emalangeni, near Cato Ridge, where his mother lived.
When the Cape Times’s sister newspaper The Mercury visited the home, neighbours were bringing prayers and words of comfort.
Zuma said Ncwane’s death at the age of 37 was a massive loss for the country as his music talent had “touched the hearts of millions”.
Ncwane, originally from Port Shepstone on the south coast of KZN, was famous for his song, Kulungile Baba.
Mchunu said Mcwane, who reportedly succumbed to kidney failure at a hospital in Johannesburg yesterday morning, had represented the province with distinction both as a musician and as an ambassador for road safety campaigns.
He said Arts and Culture MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi was communicating with the Ncwane family about funeral arrangements, and would brief the provincial cabinet tomorrow.
Zuma and Mchunu were joined by the DA and PAC in paying tribute to Ncwane.
PAC spokesperson Kenneth Mokgatlhe noted that Ncwane had died “when the country is celebrating the life of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe while others remember the death of Mr Nelson Mandela”.
DA KZN leader Zwakele Mncwango said his party was praying for the Ncwane family, “his colleagues in the media and fans”.
“South Africa and KZN has lost an icon,” he said.