Nathi Mthethwa's Mandoza speech interrupted by fan brawl

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa had to pause during his speech at the memorial for Mandoza after a brawl broke out in the crowd. His speech was barely audible to those in the audience as jeering could be heard. Eventually it was clear that a fight had broken out and police had to intervene. The Minister of Arts and Culture stepped back until the crowd was silent. It was then that Mthethwa described Mandoza as a lion who roared for the last time at the Thank You SABC concert held at Orlando Stadium a week before his death. “That was his last roar which all of South Africa will remember and the people of the world‚” said Mthethwa. Mthethwa also praised Mandoza’s widow‚ Mpho‚ saying she was a lioness who stood by her man shoulder to shoulder. “We are here to pay tribute to a hero. Mandoza is a hero who is going to last forever‚” he added. Earlier, Tokollo Tshabalala told mourners he could write a book about all of their adventures together. Taking to the stage to massive applause from crowds‚ Tokollo spoke about all of the adventures he used to get up to with his friend. “I could write a book about this guy. When we were young‚ making hits. We used to have so much fun.” But Tokollo opened up about his last meeting with Mandoza‚ saying the kwaito star told him he was “hurting“. “Mandoza was saying ‘this thing is actually hurting and it’s painful.’ Where ever he is‚ he is resting. He is at peace. I saw the performance where he was saying goodbye to us. I will always love him.”

Zahara‚ Mshoza‚ Zola‚ Brickz and Doc Shebeleza have all paid tribute to the singer.