SA bids farewell to Ma Makeba
Proffesor Ndawonde
17 November 2008
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg on Saturday to say their last goodbyes to legendary singer Miriam Makeba, who died in Italy after a performance there last Sunday.
Makeba's memorial service saw tearful politicians, celebrities, friends, family and fans gather in front of a large screen exhibiting her work.
Among those who attended the memorial service were Deputy President Baleka Mbete, former president Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele, Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan, Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe and Minister of Social Development Zola Skweyiya.
President Motlanthe, who was attending the G-20 Summit in Washington and unable to be there in person, said in a special video message that Ma Makeba was a mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many in South Africa and the world.
He said many among them had been unsure of how to react to the news of her death.
"We are hurt that her exceptionally creative impulses will no longer nourish us with beautiful compositions," he said. "Her music was a language of universal appeal, touching people across different nations."
Motlanthe said she sang from the depths of her heart, which struck a chord deep in people's souls.
Upholding the values Makeba embodied was the best way to pay homage to her. "Her life should continue to inspire all of us, artists and non-artists alike, to strive for excellence and to uphold good values.
"As she crosses over to the other side, Miriam Makeba will find musicians she performed with from the dusty townships of South Africa, percussionists and guitarists from Guinea Conakry, and great jazz musicians from the US such as Dizzy Gillespie.
"I am certain that Miriam Zenzile Makeba is going to join many great African artists. Let the show go on!"
Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said Ma Makeba, known to many as Mama Africa, was now "Mama Heaven", and that her spirit would always be remembered.
She described Makeba as an artist, humanitarian, activist and an extraordinarily gifted performer who dedicated her life to the fight against apartheid.
Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan said the sudden death of the outstanding African performer was a great loss to South African music and the culture of the country.
"Miriam Makeba was, essentially an African creation who won a place in the global village, thanks to her talent and magnificent voice," he said
.Hugh Masekela, Makeba's former husband and producer, said she was a lovely and humorous person who was committed to her work. "We will remember her voice and her exceptional talent. She was a maestro in the industry, and that is why her work was enjoyed by the world at large."
Makeba's 14-year-old great grandchild, Lindelani Lee, managed to lighten the atmosphere when he joked about how she had declared her identity while was in exile in America.
"She had said, 'Even if you think my 'click-click' song sounds bad, I will continue sing it because it because it is original. I am from South Africa.'"
Tributes and condolences poured in from around the world last week, including messages from many world leaders and celebrities.
Spokesperson for the Makeba family, Thabo Mudau, told BuaNews that Makeba's body would be cremated during a private ceremony on Sunday, and that her ashes would be scattered along the African coast.
"They will be thrown to the sea from Cape Point in Cape Town to Mozambique, Namibia and between Europe and Africa," Mudau said.
Source: BuaNews
