Speaking notes for the honourable KZN Premier, Mr ES Mchunu at the funeral of Mr David Masondo
Programme Director
Masondo Family
Friends and Relatives
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
I feel highly honoured to be paying tribute to this King, Worrier of our struggle. He was one amongst a galaxy of stars born of a struggle for the liberation of our motherland, South Africa. Hailing from our beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal, here at Hammersdale, Mdavu as he was affectionately known to many of us, put our province and Mbhaqanga music to the map of the world. A man who appealed to both the young and old, will dearly be remembered.
David Masondo and the Soul Brothers are hugely known popular band right across the length and breadth of our country. Their music resonated very well with the whole listenership of our motherland, be it in concerts or on the radio. Like a true worrier, he passed away after doing what he likes most during his last appearance at Port Elizabeth.
Who can forget one of their popular song “Bazobuya Sibalindele Noma Bengenamali”? This is a giant that has contributed immensely to our struggle, and I am convinced that all of us can agree that he played a critical role in our struggle for liberation and nation-building. Mdavu roared like a lion in the field of educational and inspirational music, through his music he engaged with vigour amongst the music lovers, but he continued to humble himself before his peers. As a man, he kept his family fires burning.
David remained in the frontline of the music industry from the establishment of the Soul Brothers in 1974 until today. This is a man who proved the longest staying power in this volatile industry. He offered his life for the service to the people to the last day of his life, but above all, he served his constituency with distinction. Much has been said during the week about the life and times of our icon. But, I must beg your indulgence as I stand here before you today, to add my voice to the multitudes around the country who have praised this humble servant of the people, as we bid the final farewell today.
There was one David Masondo and I think he was just one of a kind. His selflessness, his dedication and unwavering commitment to serve our people by improving the quality of their lives through our own language. He enriched our culture, he mended the broken hearts, he enforced respect and humility and he justified our struggle. He played a pivotal role in our quest for social cohesion. His music appealed to all races and tribes, provinces and region. His unique dance moves will be solely missed.
David was a true son of the soil, he was indeed cut from the precious cloth as a gallant star and a leader in his own right. Dare I say, that no amount of oratory or eloquence can succinctly capture just one still picture of the life and times of this hero and idol.
His life was snuffed away from our midst in a twinkling of an eye. We all looked perplexed and dazed as we gazed in amazement as to why he was the one chosen to be the next in the line. Painfully, we came to understand that God, our Creator only look for the best candidate to fill the vacancy that may have been created in His Heavenly Place. When the death strikes in any family, we begin to discern the omnipotence of God, and we therefore then come to the realization that all of us face the same inevitable fate. When I heard about the passing of David Masondo last Sunday, my heart bled. I could not believe what I have just heard because I thought David and the Soul Brothers still have a lot to offer us.
Those of us who have been working with David, know the calibre of the leader and the person he was. His energy and inputs will be forever be missed. As we mourn in silence of a beautiful melody he always produce, and the dimming of our bright star, lets us do so by recommitting ourselves to the values and principles that David stood for. Let us commit ourselves to perpetuating his legacy of righteousness, selflessness and service to our people.
David was a gallant star, a rising socio-political activist through his music and a deeply committed person to changing the lives of others. He epitomised the zeal and understanding that men and women participate in the life struggle in their own right, and not to be free riders in order to achieve social justice. Let us celebrate the life of a man who lived his life to the fullest. At all material times, he touched a lot of lives through his lyrical content of his soulful music.
He sang with passion and dedication, and you could easily be fooled that he was just looking through your heart. We have been robbed of a true caring servant. As we bid farewell and join hands in committing his mortal remains to the soil, let us all answer to the clarion call of nation-building and social cohesion. Let us demonstrate our clear understanding of the challenges at hand, mindful of the fact that our efforts towards nation building and social cohesion should not only be in revolutionary slogans, but in real action that must change the lives of our people.
To the bereaved family; I would like to assure you that you are not alone in this dark hour. We share your loss and feel your pain. He has left an indelible footprint. May you find comfort in the knowledge that David lived his life with purpose and enriched many through his work. On behalf of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, and its people, we say to the friends and family - especially his children: Akwehlanga Lungehlanga!
I thank you
