It is with great shock and disbelief that the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has learnt of the untimely departure of the late afro-jazz maestro Peter Nthwane. On the evening of 11 November 2016, our province and the entire arts fraternity across the country lost a talented and seasoned afro-jazz musician in Peter Nthwane due to a tragic shootout at his home in Mangaung. On behalf of the people of the Free State I wish to convey this heartfelt message of condolence to the family, friends, fans and all those who crossed paths with Peter Nthwane.
Mr Nthwane’s loss has left many of us in disbelief and at this point our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time of grief. The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation carries this burden of grief together with the family. Many within our province and beyond have stood in perfect silence to pay their respects. At this point I encourage all of us to give the law enforcement agencies space to conduct their investigations without any interference and if any of our community members has information that can be of assistance to the investigation process, then such should be immediately provided to relevant authorities.
We pay our respects to Mr. Nthwane precisely because he lived a life that was worth emulating over the years as he kept many of us entertained and dancing to his tunes. Today, his music has earned its place as a hallmark for the city of Mangaung and the entire Free State province hence future generations will learn a lot from him. Mr Nthwane’s legacy is that of a hero in our society who dedicated most of his life towards changing South Africa’s music landscape for the better. But as the English poet, John Dunne, wrote, we too should raise our voices and say:
"Death be not proud, thy hand gave not this blow
The executioner of wrath thou art,
But to destroy the just is not thy part
But by all souls not by corruption choked
Let in high raised notes that power be invoked,
Calm the rough seas, by which she sails to rest
From sorrows here to a kingdom ever blest.
And teach this hymn of her with joy, and sing,
The grave no conquest gets; Death hath no sting!"
Indeed the people of the Free State shall forever be indebted to Mr. Peter Nthwane and the rich legacy he has left behind. Though he may be gone among us but his melody lingers on!
Enquiries:
Mr. Tankiso Zola
Director: Communication and IT
Cell: 082 940 2392
Tel: 051 – 4104742/4786/4735
E-mail: tankiso@sacr.fs.gov.za
