BELOVED Amanzimtoti guitar teacher and musician, Fred Botes, died of natural causes in his sleep on May 28 at the age of 63.

Botes was born on December 24, 1963. He was one of five siblings.

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Fellow musician Chris Rogers fondly remembered his dear friend and mentor. He said Botes was deeply passionate about music, adding that his influence reached far beyond formal lessons, inspiring young and old alike. He often turned jam sessions into impromptu moments of learning.

His presence, talent and spirit of generosity left a lasting mark in the community, and he is sorely missed by his family.

 “It was the way he connected with people, shared his gift and brought joy into everyday life. He was known to many simply as Fred, a modest man who lived quietly but impacted deeply. To me, he was Mr Freddie,” said Rogers.

Botes was one of the founding members of the Ilanga Jams Band, a group of neighbours who came together after the July 2021 unrest, where Saturday afternoons were filled with music, laughter and friendship in the “band room”.

“Fred was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He was gifted as a teacher, humble, had a great sense of humour and brought lightness into the room. Above all, he was a loyal friend. His music, warmth and kindness will be deeply missed. Rest well, buddy, thank you for the music,” said Rogers.

He is survived by his siblings, Greg, Virginia, Felicity and Theresa.

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