Call for fair reporting 
on Mandoza

PRETORIA: “I want it to be known that Mandoza is no charity case. Many a time you all wait to report (on) musicians’ deaths and say they died as paupers.”

This was the retort from businessman Mahlomola Kekana, who worked closely with Mandoza, as he lashed out at the media for what he called sensational and negative reporting about musicians. He said if reporters had been fishing for sensational stories about artists, Mandoza was not the type.

“Mduduzi was a husband, a father from a loving family who will take care of all funeral arrangements,” said Kekana. He was speaking during a media briefing at the Soweto Theatre yesterday.

Family and close friends gathered to talk of planned events before the funeral. Mandoza died on 
Sunday after battling brain cancer.

Former Chiskop group member Siphiwe “General” Sibisi, as well as musician Doc Shebeleza and other local artists, were present to support the Tshabalala family. Manager Kevin Ntaopane recalled what he witnessed as he held Mandoza 
during his final moments.

“When his wife Mpho summoned me to their home Sunday morning, she told me he was not looking good. I had to race there with an empty fuel tank, just to get him to hospital.

“I remember kissing his feet, telling him everything will be okay. Then, just three minutes before we arrived at the hospital, he left us. 
I am still in shock, for I have never witnessed something like that.”

Family spokesperson Mzwakhe Tshabalala said Mandoza was set to begin a new type of chemotherapy and had lost his eyesight due to the cancer. He thanked South Africans or their support, making special mention of President Jacob Zuma.

Mandoza’s memorial service will be held at the Ellis Park Arena, formally known as the Standard Bank Arena, at noon tomorrow.

He will be buried on Saturday and details will be communicated soon. – Additional reporting by ANA