Minister Nathi Mthethwa on the passing of the IkwekweziFM Radio presenter, an IsiNdebele historian and praise singer Sohlungulu Skhosana
Skhosana was the anchor of the award winning traditional content programme, Ithungelwa Ebandla on Ikwekwezi.
We offer our condolences to his family, friends, followers and the broadcasting fraternity in general.
Skhosana was a highly esteemed historian and praise poet who used his talent to speak truth to power and nourished the soul of the nation with his articulation.
He was a cultural visionary that was intuitively connected to the experiences of the people and articulated their aspirations very well.
His reputation saw him selected to introduce State President Jacob Zuma at the State of the Nation Address in 2011.
This was not the first time that he was invited to praise a president as he did the same for former President Thabo Mbeki in 2005.
His performance dominated the programme at the launch of the National House of Traditional Leaders by Mbeki.
At the height of his career he was nominated a finalist in the South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Awards in 2005/6.
A well known historian and recognised broadcaster in indigenous African Language, Skhosana was an important voice on African cultural perspectives and insights.
And for this he won the Magnetic Voice Award for excellence in Traditional Radio Programmes in 2012/13.
This was taken to a higher level when he was awarded the SATMA Award for Best Traditional Show in 2013.
As a result Skhosana was a regular feature on the SABC1 Izwi Labantu to introduce kings and chiefs through praise poetry.
Traditional arts and culture of the Ndebele people are richer today because of his role and responsibility in their protection, preservation and promotion.
No doubt that Skhosana was a cultural historian and ambassador who contributed to cultural diversity, nation building and social cohesion in the country.
May his soul rest in peace.
