19 March 2007
Thanduxolo Christian Ngqobe passed on at 22H30 in the evening of 18 March
2007. The MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mrs Noxolo
Abraham-Ntantiso, has expressed her deep shock about this sad news. "It is
deeply shocking and saddening to hear such news. Mr Ngqobe, a renowned choral
composer who has been an ambassador of the Eastern Cape through music, has been
one of the scarce resources in the Eastern Cape. His love of and commitment to
choral music cannot be paralleled. He made a very strong impact with his
composition of 'The Crucifiction' where we were marvelled at the performance of
his complete opera work in IsiXhosa," said the MEC.
Thanduxolo has not just been an outstanding choral composer, but has also
been an official of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture
stationed at the Alfred Nzo District Office as an Assistant Manager for Arts
and Culture. "His dedication to the advancement of Arts and Culture in the
rural areas was quite noticeable. He would reach out to the various corners of
the district, conducting workshops and identifying talent for further
development," said the MEC. Having studied music as a career, Mr Ngqobe would
willingly share his knowledge with the people of Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo
districts by conducting workshops in choral conducting and his influence is
evident through the standard of performances of choirs from the Mpondoland area
in choir competitions and the style of compositions by composers from the
Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts. Choirs from Lusikisiki, Mr Ngqobe's
hometown, are leading in the standard category of the annual OR Tambo Choral
Festival there is always at least one school competing up to the national level
in school choir competitions.
The MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture wishes to express words of
condolence to the Ngqobe family, relatives, friends and comrades. "The loss of
this doyen is a loss to the nation. The whole Eastern Cape mourns this sad
loss. Let us find comfort from the legacy that Ngqobe leaves behind and ensure
that we nurture it to fruition," said the MEC.
Contact:
Manzi Vabaza
Tel: (043) 604 4022
Fax: (043) 604 4144
Cell: 082 339 6083
E-mail: vabaza.manzandonga@srac.ecprov.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape
Provincial Government
19 March 2007
