KwaZulu-Natal Premier mourns for the untimely death of Imithente co-founder

The KwaZulu-Natal Premier,Thamsanqa Ntuli has conveyed his condolences following the death of Dumisile Manana-Mthalane,a co-founder of Maskandi group Imithente who passed away in the early hours of Sunday at Vooslorus Hospital in Gauteng.

The Premier has expressed shock and disbelief for an untimely passing of Dumisile,and described her as someone who embodied the qualities of late Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi as she played a pivotal role on preaching peace and unity amongst South Africans.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dumisile Manana-Mthalane.As one of the founding members of Imithente,she was not only a talented musician but a devoted leader who upheld the values of peace and unity championed by the late uMntwana wakwaPhindangene,Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi.She walked a long and purposeful journey with uMntwana,dedicating herself to fostering social cohesion in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa at large,"said Premier Ntuli.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has highlighted that as a member of Imithente,Manana-Mthalane was a cherished presence at provincial government events.The group's unwavering patriotism often led them to perform without charge,demonstrating their commitment to the people of this province.

"During my tenure as Mayor of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality,I had the privilege of working closely with Manana-Mthalane and her group.Their music was more than entertainment - it was a powerful force for unity,freedom,and peace.

"The last time I saw Manana-Mthalane perform with her group,was during the celebration of Human Rights Day at the Olive Convention,in Durban.They kept the admiring audience at their feet through their energetic and inspiring songs and performance.

On behalf of the provincial government,I extend our deepest condolences to her husband,her found children,seven grandchildren,and her fellow artists in Imithente.Her sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void in our province,our nation,and the music industry,"continued Premier Ntuli.

Premier Ntuli added that Manana-Mthalane and Imithente were true pioneers,breaking barriers in the male-dominated maskandi genre.Their bravery inspired countless women to pursue maskandi music,and they generously nurtured emerging female artists with wisdom and guidance.

In conclusion,the Premier said it was telling that Manana-Mthalane took her last breath on Freedom Day.

"It is poignant that she passed away on Freedom Day - a day she passionately celebrated through her music - a testament to her lifelong dedication to liberation and justice.Beyond music,she was a fierce advocate against gender-based violence,using her voice to condemn these atrocities whenever they arose.

Her legacy will endure through the songs she gifted to the nation.May her soul rest in eternal peace,"concluded Premier Ntuli.

Imithente was co-founded in 1993 by guitarist Simosakhe Mthalane and three female vocalists Dumisile Manana-Mthalane,Nokwazi Ntuli and its former member Buselaphi Gxowa who left the group in 2012.

The founders of the group all hails from KwaZulu-Natal but they relocated to Johannesburg to search green pastures and that where they met.

Imithente has produced several albums attained gold sales and also won dozens of wards from South African Music Awards(SAMA) and South African Traditional Music Awards(SATMA),and released more than 15 studio albums.

Over the years,the group performed in far places such as France,India,Austria and Algeria between 2002,2008 and 2009.