Singer's death stuns fans

SHE was meant to dazzle her fans at SABC1's Skyroom Live today, but instead South Africans woke up yesterday to the devastating news of her death. Singer Lulu Dikana, 35, the sister of musician and XFactor South Africa judge Zonke Dikana, died in a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday night after a short illness.

As the news filtered through Port Elizabeth, fans expressed shock that the woman they knew as the beautiful flower of Kwazakhele had died.

One of her neighbours, Zukile Marhwana, said: "I used to see her when she came to visit here. She never acted like a celebrity and would take time to talk to her neighbours. Her death came as a shock to us. We were still expecting more from her."

Siziwe Sizwebhele said she grew up with Dikana. "I used to visit her home as I was friends with her cousin Bulela.

"She had a good heart and never looked down on anyone. It is truly a sad thing that we have lost her."

Nomthandazo April said Dikana was the flower of Kwazakhele. "She put our location on the map. It is very sad to lose such a young, talented person." - Yoliswa Sobuwa