Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu pays tribute to the late veteran and philanthropic ‘Tata’ Lawrence Vuyisile Tutu

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nocawe Mafu pays tribute to the late veteran and philanthropic ‘Tata’ Lawrence Vuyisile Tutu

Department of Sport Arts and Culture and Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu sends its heartfelt condolence message to the family of the late veteran and Philanthropist in the artistic field of writing, music and journalism ‘uTata’ Lawrence, Vuyisile Tutu.   

Lawrence Vuyisile Tutu, affectionately known as Mtika, a community builder by nature and a veteran teacher of life building skills who spend most of his time dedicated to his community by either teaching them music or writing books is no more.

UTata Vuyisile, also as a musician hailing from Duncan Village, will be remembered for his composition of gospel music inclusive of his first album which he released back In 1972 with the late Mr Sax O’Will Mbali. He further recorded music at the then Radio Bantu now known as Umhlobo Wenene. His music continues to grace the airwaves till to date with one of his popular and famous song called “Thetha nomphefumlo wam” which continues to be played on Sunday’s on Umhlobo Wenene during “Isandulela senkonzo” and before” inkonzo yakusasa”.

As a gifted organist, pianist, and writer he had love and respect for good music that he went on to assisting Black Music composers to archive their good music so that future generations will be able to appreciate the value of their talent which most of the old songs he achieved were about Black culture, nature, love and scriptures. 

One chorister from the then Gompo Adult Choir, for whom Mtika, often played organ backing, described him as “sensitive to a note”.

UVuyisile Tutu who served equally as a seasoned Writer, will also be remembered for his writing works inclusive of his first writing which he released back in 1976 called MY SON which he originally wrote it to his son Kaya Bach which later became a relevant piece of wisdom and many wanted to have it in their homes to share with their own children. He also published three more books namely Twilight of the Struggle, Black Composers Unlimited, Good morning God and the Two Rubies.

UJwarha worked as a Librarian in the then Duncan Village Library therefore exposing him to develop his philanthropic skills as he later became an activist in community building in the greater East London. Most children of that time will remember his story-telling and reading of books to the children at the library. As a political activist, uTat’uTutu used the media space to expose and shame the Apartheid Government. He was a freelance journalist and had a columnist in the Daily Dispatch, Indaba Newspapers and Probe magazine.
He served in the various political and resident structures in Duncan village with all loyalty and passion and was an active member of the UDF at the time and gave political education to many upcoming young activists by equally working with them and encouraging them to learn and get good education.

Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu in her dedication to uTata Tutu had this to say, “What a well of wisdom, I so wish we could have drained that knowledge and wisdom as much as possible so that we can create literature books or scripts of ubuntu to be handed over to generations to come. As young student leader back in the day, I personally benefited from his teachings and guidance. This legend has been recognised before by my Department for his wisdom and we were on cause to bestow another recognition to him, this time around the renaming of Gompo Library after him which we intend doing in due course”.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and those who appreciated his prowess.  May the warmth and guidance of God All Mighty, protect and be with the Tutu family and friends during this time” – Stated Deputy Minister, Nocawe Mafu

May uTata Vuyisile Tutu soul repose in eternal peace!

For more information kindly contact:

Mickey Modisane
Cell: 082 992 0101
E-mail: mickeyM@dsac.go.za

Zimasa Velaphi
Cell: 072 172 8925
E-mail: zimasav@dsac.gov.za

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