Sad day as Dumi Masilela and Anthony Motaung are buried
IT WAS a sad day for the entertainment industry yesterday as two of South Africa’s favourite celebrities were buried in Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park.
Throngs, including celebrities and government officials, flocked to the funeral of Rythm City actor Dumisani “Dumi” Masilela, who was killed during an attempted hijacking a week ago. But few turned up for the sombre burial of Kwaito star and dancer Anthony Motaung, better known as Tsekeleke, who died after a long illness.
The pastor has been recorded saying that he dedicated himself to helping the struggling star with basics and also praying for him.
Dumi’s funeral service was held at his church that was packed to capacity with industry friends and colleagues.
His wife, Simphiwe “Simz” Ngema, dressed in white, took to the podium, saying she understood that standing and speaking at her husband’s funeral was not normal, “but guess what, neither is losing your husband two months after your wedding”.
“Life has shown us that nothing is normal. So don’t have any expectations from me right now because nothing makes sense,” she said, fighting back the tears.
“When I got to the hospital that night, the first thing he said to me was, ‘askies nana. I am so sorry’. He didn’t look like he was going to pass on, he was strong. And I looked at him and said ‘you are the one who is hurting but (you) are saying sorry to me’?”
She said she felt like her late husband has given her all his strength to carry on.
Among the mourners were Gauteng’s MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosimalo–bane; MMC for Human Settlements, Lesiba Mpya; and the executive mayor for Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina.
“Dumi’s tragic passing at the hands of these heartless and merciless criminals has reminded us that our society is a society where good and evil are always staring into each other’s eyes,” said Masina.
The mayor also spoke about the close working relationship he had with Dumi and Simz, for community development.
“In honour of this talent, we would like to request the family to name the new theatre that we are building after him,” he said, which brought the entire congregation to their feet for a standing ovation.
He said that suspects in the shooting had been arrested.
“We can only hope the identities will be positive so that we can find peace. We call on the cluster (justice, crime prevention and security) not to fail us,” he said.