‘With tears I watched you slowly fade away’
Malinga wife’s poignant letter moves mourners
EMOTIONS ran high at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg yesterday when a letter written by Robbie Malinga’s widow Ann was read out at his funeral.
Ann poured her heart out about the amazing husband and father the legendary musician had been‚ and how the memories they made would live on with her forever.
“To my dearest husband‚ there were two hearts that beat together, now there is one. I’ve shared many tears since I lost you and many more will pour because I’ve lost a good man.”
Ann thanked her husband for teaching her the importance of respecting their marriage and for protecting their family always. Malinga died on Christmas day after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.
“My heart is broken into a million tiny pieces but I will cling onto the memories that bring you near.”
Ann reflected on Malinga’s final day and the pain that she watched him endure.
“I wish I could touch you one last time without bringing back the pain.
“I tried everything possible to save your precious life but God had a bigger plan.
“With tearful eyes I watched you slowly fade away. My life will never be the same. I have lost a soulmate gained an angel.”
Malinga’s son‚ Robbie Jnr, also paid tribute to his dad saying that he was the best of men and that his legacy would not be wasted.
“He built a foundation and I have to build on top of that. I’m Robbie Malinga the second and I also want to be the best.”
One thing that has been evident but heaven since the start of the service yesterday was that Malinga’s music touched the lives of so many people‚ and the impact he made during his 20-year career was monumental.
A huge black and gold portrait of the Sondela hitmaker stood tall on stage as friends reflected on memories they shared with Malinga.
Musicians Kelly Khumalo‚ Khaya Mthethwa and Musa Sukwene were among those who rendered musical tributes.
Songstress Kelly Khumalo was a good friend‚ and she was overcome with emotion as she performed her hit‚ Sobabili, at the funeral yesterday.
Tears streamed down her face as she sang her heart out. Sobabili is one of the duets she made with Malinga.
A fitting memorial service was held in honour of the musician at the Grace Bible Church in Soweto last Friday‚ where tributes and fond memories were shared by those close to him. His brother‚ Bheki said that the musician had died surrounded by family.
“He called his wife and told her to dish up and eat. He then shook my hand‚ asked me to turn him around and that was his goodbye. He never woke up after that‚” he said. — DDC