EventsNews
Hamba kahle ‘Nyemza’!
Lerato: I had the privilege of knowing “Nyemza” personally as I started working here (then Vaal Weekly) with his eldest son S.K. on the same day. I would like to believe that the love that Ntate Kunene had for people was out of this world; the passion for his craft was reflected almost all the time when I had to interview him about his national and ‘Vaalywood’projects.
The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. Mark Twain.
The people involved in Arts and Culture in Sedibeng have a mammoth. This follows the death of legendary Nyembezi “Nyemza” Kunene over the weekend. The huge task that these people are left with is to make sure that the legacy of the legendary Kunene is kept alive.
I had the privilege of knowing “Nyemza” personally as I started working here (then Vaal Weekly) with his eldest son S.K. on the same day. I would like to believe that the love that Ntate Kunene had for people was out of this world; the passion for his craft was reflected almost all the time when I had to interview him about his national and ‘Vaalywood’projects.
Such was the man that was “Nyemza”, that while smiling during our conversations he would never forget to mention that artists in this region are still far behind compared to others in areas in this country. Through my then colleague, I also had the pleasure of knowing his family, Mama, Boyzi and the others (May their hearts heal).
The death of a loved one cannot easily be processed and words are never enough. Speaking to S.K. this week, I was reminded of my own pain when he simply said:“Nguwe oyiyaziyo lento mfoka Baba” reminding me of the pain of my own father’s passing a few years ago.
The Arts and Culture fraternity in the Sedibeng area, with the help of the powers that be, should take up the baton from “Nyemza” and make sure that local artists are recognised in a way that they have never been seen before. They should make sure that the face of the legendary departed, Kunene, always lights up when he sees their work.
They owe this much to the man, after all, many of them are from his humble hands. In the very words of S.K. I too would like to say: Hambe kahle Mntimande! Bambolunye! Ngwenya! Madonsela! Your battle has been fought! From me and the team at large Rest in Peace Bab’ Nyemza.
Lerato…
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