Tycoon funds Lundi funeral
BUSINESS MOGUL TO FOOT BILL FOR LUNDI’S FUNERAL
A SOWETO mogul has stepped in to carry the funeral costs for gospel musician Lundi Tyamara.
Sowetan has learnt that a businesswoman who did not want to be identified, has offered financial assistance to the family of Tyamara who died last Friday from TB and liver complications.
It has also emerged that there are no plans to grant the multiaward-winning superstar a state or civic funeral like his peer S’fiso Ncwane, or Sophiatown skylark Thandi Klaasen.
“So far we are on our own. We have not been approached by anyone for any plans to give Lundi a state funeral.
“We were not even aware that we had to apply for one,” Lundi’s manager and family spokesman Anele Hlazo said.
“The minister [Nathi Mthethwa] and some officials were here at [my] home earlier and asked about what shortages we are having for funeral arrangements. They didn’t say anything about a state funeral,” Hlazo said.
He confirmed the businesswoman’s offer to help.
“When it comes to funeral arrangements we are getting help from a businesswoman. She was very close to Lundi and his child used to live with her”
When Sowetan contacted the mysterious tycoon, she said: “Everyone is allowed to chip in and help where they can. I won’t say I am the only one who is helping out, everyone is welcome to.”
The funeral service for Tyamara will be held at Zwelethemba community hall in Worcester, Western Cape, some 110km from Cape Town, on Sunday morning.
Spokeswoman for the Western Cape MEC for cultural affairs and sport Stacy McLean said Tyamara’s family had not applied for a state funeral but the municipality was assisting them with arrangements.
“I too understand that he will be laid to rest in Worcester on Sunday.
Minister Anroux Marais (MEC for cultural affairs and sport in Western Cape) will personally pay her respects at his funeral.
“The family of Lundi has been in contact with the municipality in terms of arrangements.
“The department of cultural affairs and sport is also liaising with the family and the municipality on how we could assist,” McLean said.