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MINISTRY: ARTS AND CULTURE

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA


Private Bag X898, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. Tel: (012) 441 3702. Fax: (012) 440 4485
Private Bag X9137, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. Tel: (021) 465 5620. Fax: (021) 465 5624
www.dac.gov.za

29 April 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


ARTS AND CULTURE MINISTER NATHI MTHETHWA’S STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC
DEATHS OF THREE “LODESTARS” OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARTS AND CREATIVE
INDUSTRIES

In a car accident on the N6 between Jamestown and Queenstown in the Eastern Cape that claimed five lives
on Saturday, the nation has been dealt a triple and breath-taking blow that has sent a wave of grief throughout
South Africa.

It is with deep sorrow and profound grief that the Ministry of Arts and Culture has learnt of not one, but three
deaths of bright young stars and the future of the country's Arts and Creative Industries, namely Akhumzi
Jezile, Thobani Mselani and Siyasanga Kobese in that car accident.

Mthatha-born Akhumzi Jezile was a star who grew up in front of the nation’s eyes as a Presenter on YoTV,
and finally attained renown and respect in the Television and Film industry that saw fit to recognise his talent
with a SAFTA Award in 2014 for his role as "Ngulube" in “Tempy Pushas”.

Fort Beaufort-born Thobani Mseleni patiently paid his dues in the TV and Film industry before getting his “big
break” by being introduced to South African audiences playing roles including that of "Bhonyongo" in the drama
series "Matatiele" and recently, as "Babalo" in the Award-winning movie "Inxeba: The Wound".

The gifted eZibeleni-born Siyasanga Kobese was an actress we got to watch playing the character of “Siphokazi”
on the drama series “Zabalaza”. However, we remember her most vividly as someone who wowed audiences
nationwide as a lead singer of “Joyous Celebration". The choir- which has been an inspirational source of pride to
this nation- has over two decades become a massive platform for upcoming South African artists. Siyasanga
was such an artist, and it not necessarily her face that haunts us as we mull the news of this tragedy, but her
powerful voice that touched millions of South Africans who listened to this choir's songs and relished her
commanding voice with which she often led it.

All three were young, brilliant shining stars from whom we'd have undoubtedly derived joy and delight from
their long careers- and lives. One cannot help but deduce that in this instance, death has been particularly
unkind and jealous considering the untimely and sudden nature of the loss of life in a single moment, of these
brilliant and young shining stars of South Africa's Arts and Creative industries.

"Death has robbed our nation of three of its versatile and glittering lodestars who- like the 'three wise men from
the East' came into this world bearing precious gifts and shared them generously."
- Hon. Minister Nathi Mthethwa
2

At this mournful time, we remember the particularly powerful and poignant rendition by Siyasanga Kobese
leading the "Joyous Celebration" choir, of the African Gospel hymn: "Hay'inyweba abanayo abangcwele baphezulu,
abemiyo phambi kwayo iterone yako Mkhulu (What a privilege they have, the holy ones above, who now stand before
the throne…) Ukuphumla bakuphiwe. Bayohlala bonwabile. Iinyembezi zosuliwe. Zonk’intlungu ziphelile. (…they have
attained ‘rest’. There they dwell, at bliss. Their tears have been wiped from their faces. Their pain has ceased to
be).

This is a hymn whose words Christians have found solace in at times of profound grief. It may be fitting at this
time, to recall the words to this hymn as we mourn the passing of these young stars. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the Jezile, Kobese and Mseleni families and the families of each young person who died in that accident.
On behalf of the Ministry of Arts and Culture, I wish to convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to them,
their friends, their industry peers and their fans.

…ends//

For further information and interview requests, please contact: Asanda Magaqa, Spokesperson for the Minister of
Arts and Culture – 082 572 3232.

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