The African National Congress expressed grief over the death of singer, Busi Mhlongo, saying that her passing robbed South Africa of her contribution to further develop the art form.

"Her passing on after a long illness is a huge loss to South Africa, particularly the music fraternity," spokesman Jackson Mthembu said.

"Her passing away has robbed us of a contribution she would have continued to make in the development of music in South Africa.

"We join many South Africans in paying tribute to this music icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists and individuals in our country and abroad."

Mhlongo died on Tuesday as a result of breast cancer.

She hailed from Inanda, north of Durban and was born to a musical family.

"Mama Mhlongo used her talent to inspire social, economic, cultural and political change in the country. As a young star, she was given a small drum and two sticks and encouraged to sing at weddings, in church choirs and at school.

"Her lyrics, which are sung in Zulu and English, will remain with us for many decades to come and will be part of our country's history and heritage. We were indeed privileged to have known and lived in her lifetime," he said.