KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli joined thousands of mourners to bid farewell to Ms Dumisile Manana-Mthalane, co-founder of the legendary maskandi group Imithente, at an emotional funeral ceremony that celebrated her life and legacy.

A revered figure in South African traditional music, Manana-Mthalane was not only a celebrated vocalist and composer, but also a passionate custodian of Zulu culture and identity. Through her visionary role in founding Imithente, she helped catapult maskandi music into the national and international spotlight, preserving indigenous sounds while addressing critical social themes through song.

“Today we mourn not just an artist, but a cultural giant whose music gave voice to our people,” said Premier Ntuli. “Dumisile Manana-Mthalane was a symbol of pride, resilience, and creativity. Her contributions to the arts and cultural heritage of our province will echo through generations.”

Under her leadership, Imithente earned multiple awards and widespread acclaim for their unique harmonies and powerful lyrics that tackled real-life issues, from social injustice to the beauty of tradition. The group’s success stands as a testament to her commitment to uplifting traditional music and placing Zulu cultural expression on the global stage.

Premier Ntuli extended his heartfelt condolences to the Manana-Mthalane family and the entire music fraternity, urging them to find strength in the indelible legacy she leaves behind.

“As we lay this daughter of the soil to rest, let us continue to honour her spirit by preserving our culture, promoting our music, and celebrating the rich heritage she so proudly embodied,” Premier Ntuli concluded.