WATCH | KZN premier visits Mampintsha's family and pays tribute to 'bubbly' musician

KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube visited the family of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo on Thursday ahead of his funeral on Friday.

Mampintsha, 40, who was a leading member of Big NUZ, the popular award-winning musical group started in Umlazi township, died in Durban at the weekend.

The province announced on Wednesday it would, in conjunction with the eThekwini municipality, provide material support to his family. 

It would also provide ongoing socio-psychological support to family members and relatives.

Speaking outside the family home in Westville on Thursday, Dube-Ncube said they saw it fitting to give Mampintsha the “send-off he deserves”. 

She said Mampintsha gave ministry with his entertainment and not only put the province but the whole country on the world map through his music. 

“We felt that the family needs all of us and needs all the support, as many people across the country will be coming to pay their last respects,” she said. 

Dube-Ncube recalled when Mampintsha’s music was making waves.

“I remember during 2010/11 where he was really entertaining people left, right and centre. A lot of young people really look up to him. We saw him rising from a young man who seemed not to have a direction, but pick up and make his talent seen by the rest of the world. 

“His energy, his love for people, and he was always bubbly and laughing with everyone. The whole music industry is bleeding from this loss. Even if he is no more, you can feel that he is still there with his music. You feel that he is laughing at us wherever he is saying ‘enjoy, this is what I’ve left for you’ and we will forever be grateful,” she said.

A memorial service for the Umlilo hit maker is expected to be held on Thursday at eThekwini Community Church in Durban. 

Mampintsha  will be buried this coming weekend. 

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