Durban - MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Hlengiwe Mavimbela paid a visit to the late Deborah Fraser’s home in KwaMashu. Mavimbela held a prayer meeting to honour the late musician and to offer her condolences and words of encouragement to the family.
The MEC described the musician’s death as a “sudden death one was not waiting for”. She mentioned how Fraser had raised the KwaZulu-Natal flag high, and said that even though the singer was based in Gauteng, they were always proud of the star she was.
“The Gauteng Arts office would always brag about her but I would always remind them that she is originally ours. Her death was very unfortunate. I encourage the family to be courageous in the Lord. I hope they will remember her as a star who changed a lot of souls with just her voice,” said Mavimbela.
She said the department would like to give her a “stellar burial”, but because of the tragic circumstances the province and country have been through recently, from the Covid-19 pandemic, the July unrest to the devastating floods, she asked that the family to bear with them, and they were going to donate what they had.
“We still have people missing from the floods, some are still without any shelter, it would be unfair to them. We wish the family unites with us. Had the circumstances been different, we would have given her the best one (funeral) yet,” she said.
Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of SA (CCIFSA) provincial chairperson Thokozani “ Tzozo’” Zulu said Fraser’s passing cut deep because the whole country lost a legend.
“It is really sad to lose someone who has always been the consoler in the group, as she was always with us all the time when a member of the organisation passed on. She really put us on the map, as she was always looking out for us. She was like a mother to us and this is a huge loss,” said Zulu.
CCIFSA regional chairperson Mbusi Sokhela also expressed how sad he was, as Fraser was one of the artists they had been watching prosper. He said even though they were doing different genres, she was always willing to help, and went out of her way to make sure that local talent was recognised. Sokhela said Fraser had united all the genres, from maskandi to kwaito and gospel.
Mavimbela said that Premier Sihle Zikalala, who could not attend the event, passed on his condolences.
Among the artists who accompanied Mavimbela were Zakwe, actor Mduduzi Nombela (Phunyuka from Imbewu), gospel group Avante and uZalo cast members.
No official funeral arrangements or decisions have been officially announced.
Daily News