Popular SA choirmaster, music trainer and director Dr Makhaya Mjana, 66, has died.
He was one of the composers of the revised version of the national anthem.
Tributes are pouring in following the death of the choir master of internationally respected, and award-winning choirs, including the Matthews Singers, Joy of Africa, Princess Square Singers, the Zwelitsha Adult Choir in King William’s Town and the Belcanto Singers.
The ANC provincial executive committee at Calata House paid tribute to Mjana.
Spokesperson Gift Ngqondi said Mjana was a man of the country who had dedicated most of his life to the development of choral music in SA.
In 1997, Mjana and his Joy of Africa choristers were cast members of the movie Footprints.
Under Mjana’s music directorship, Joy of Africa had an international tour to Boston in 1998. Port Elizabeth-born Mjana was also commissioned to compose for several special events, including the 150th birthday celebrations of Lovedale College in 1990.
He leaves behind five children and four grandchildren.
Arrangements for his memorial and funeral will be announced later in the week.