The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture, Ms Thandile Sunduza, has expressed her sincere condolences to the families of veteran comedian and musician Vusi Ximba, and Avante gospel group lead singer, Siphiwe Khanyile.
Mr Ximba passed away on Wednesday, 2 February 2011. He launched his career in the 1970s and released in 1992 his debut solo album, Siyakudumisa, which sold more than 100,000 copies.
“We are very saddened as South Africans by the news, more so because Vusi Ximba has contributed richly to the arts and culture industry. He is one of the few artists that were skilled in playing the accordion,” said Sunduza.
The news of Avante’s lead singer, Siphiwe Khanyile, came hours after the passing of Ximba.
“Khanyile was a very young and vibrant artist and South Africa would have benefited greatly from his talent. This is a great loss for South Africa as well as the KwaZulu-Natal Province, where these artists come from,” said the Chairperson.
Enquiries:
Faith Kwaza
Cell: 072 122 037
Tel: 021 403 8062
E-mail: fkwaza@parliament.gov.za
