Revamped Malinga statue ‘magical’

THE redesign of Robbie Malinga’s seven-ton tombstone statue is already under way, Bataung Memorials chief executive Lebohang Khitsane said.

The original tombstone had to be removed 24 hours after the veteran musician’s funeral‚ when thousands of fans commented about its lack of resemblance to the musician.

“We have taken the statue down and the redesign is on track,” Khitsane said.

He said the new statue would be erected on January 23 and that it would be something magical.

Not wanting to reveal too much detail‚ Khitsane said the initial inspiration was to embody Malinga’s award-winning life.

“The new statue will be amazing and will take things to the next level,” he said.

The businessman said he had been working closely with Malinga’s family‚ who had provided more pictures of him to ensure a more accurate portrayal of the star.

It had taken a team of 15 people to make the original tombstone‚ which cost about R500 000.

Malinga’s business partner and family spokesman‚ TK Nciza, said previously that they were not stressed about people’s opinions of the tombstone.

“People will have different opinions about different things. For us, the most important thing is that our brother is resting in peace,” he said.

The veteran musician died on Christmas Day after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.