Mandla humble, but a go-getter
Mandla’s child angry for mom
The differences in the slain Jozi FM DJ Mandla Hlatshwayo’s family played itself out at the memorial service yesterday in Soweto.
Hlatshwayo, who also featured in Generations, and his friend Oupa Duma were shot dead in Pimville, Soweto, on Sunday night while they were reportedly trying to help two women who were being mugged outside a pub.
Hlatshwayo’s daughter, Bonolo, dropped the bombshell this week when she told Sowetan that her family were being sidelined by the Hlatshwayos.
The teenager accused the family of choosing Mandla’s nyatsi, Mami, over her mother Amanda, who was married to the slain DJ.
Amanda sat in the middle of the Protea South Multi Purpose Centre during the service yesterday, while Bonolo sat with her uncles.
The Hlatshwayo family, including Mandla’s sister Maggie, sat in the front row along with principal mourner Mami.
An emotional Bonolo fought back the tears when she heard her father’s voice recording be- ing played. But she became angry when Hlatshwayo’s friends kept referring to Mami as the wife, saying: “How dare they disrespect my mother?”
When a letter written by Mami to Hlatshwayo was about to be read, she walked out crying and was comforted by family members.
But generally the family, friends and followers of Hlatshwayo were in a celebratory mood as they listened to the eulogy of Mandla.
The hall was also filled by enthusiastic listeners of Jozi FM who sang choruses such as Ha Ayo Mathata to kick start the programme. Some of the celebrities in attendance were Hlatshwayo’s colleagues at Jozi FM, DJ Cleo, Winnie Khumalo, Scelo Hlophe and Tshepo Maseko.
Jozi FM presenter Lungile Masondo said Hlatshwayo lived through music and would be sent off through it. The station’s programme manager, Tshepo Makgope, said Hlatshwayo was a dedicated and hard-working man.
Hlatshwayo’s funeral will be held tomorrow, starting at 8am, at the same venue.
Born: November 24 1976
Died: May 14 2017
Funeral: Tomorrow, Protea South Multipurpose Centre
Burial: Avalon Cemetery
Slain Jozi FM DJ and former Generations star Mandla Hlatshwayo will be laid to rest at Avalon Cemetery tomorrow.
Hlatshwayo was shot on Sunday night outside Meli Lounge, a popular pub in Pimville, Soweto.
His friend Oupa “Chom Chom” Duma was also shot dead. The two were trying to intervene when female patrons were being robbed of cellphones.
Hlatshwayo was born on November 24 1976 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and spent his childhood in Mndeni and later Chiawelo, both in Soweto.
He started his career in theatre then went on to star in popular television productions such as Electric Workshop, Soul City and Generations, where his star rose highest as Simphiwe Khoza.
He also featured in South African movie Finding Lenny.
Hlatshwayo also found time in between his hectic acting schedule to venture into music as a club DJ, which led to him releasing a well received CD titled Jozi Knights.
He also tapped into radio at Jozi FM, a Soweto-based community station. He was working for the station at the time of his death.
According to his close friend and Jozi FM chief executive producer Mpho Mhlongo, Hlatshwayo went to Meli Lounge because he had a meeting there. Before his death, Mandla spent Sunday afternoon with his colleagues and Mhlongo at the Jozi FM Walk 4 Life Fun Run.
“We spent the day there. He was handing out medals, taking pictures and giving hugs. He was a very handy person and was helping people,” Mhlongo said.
“When I heard that he got shot while trying to help someone, I wasn’t surprised. That was his nature,” he added.
Mpho described Mandla as a “jolly guy” and “very helpful”.
In his condolences, President Jacob Zuma said: “The country has lost one of its shining young stars in the entertainment industry, who passed away reportedly at the hands of cold-hearted criminals. We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family. Our prayers and thoughts are with them in this difficult period. May his soul rest in peace.
“Mr Hlatshwayo, would be remembered for his brilliant acting talent he displayed in the popular television soapie Generations as well as in the youth educative drama, Soul City...”
Mandla is the son of Phindile Priscilla and the late Michael Hlatshwayo. He is survived by his wife and five children.