The South African maskandi music world bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most beloved figures, Dumisile Mthalane, who was laid to rest on Sunday, May 4, at her family home in Emakhabeleni, near Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal. The 61-year-old artist, affectionately known as KaManana, was honored in a moving yet vibrant ceremony attended by notable musicians, political leaders, radio personalities, and devoted fans.
Mthalane, who was also a prominent member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), passed away on April 27. Her death marked the end of an era for the legendary traditional music group, Imithente, which she co-founded and led with passion and dedication for decades.
The funeral was anything but somber. Guests paid tribute to her legacy by singing and dancing to Imithente’s hit songs. Among those in attendance were popular Ukhozi FM presenters like Tshatha Ngobe, Vusizwe Langa, Bingelela Mpanza, and Mdonso Ngcobo. The music industry was strongly represented by stars such as Khuzani Mpungose, Thokozani Langa, Big Zulu, Buselaphi Gxowa, Ntencane, Bahubhe, Mbuzeni Mkhize, Siya Ntuli, and Falabo.
In addition to her musical contributions, Dumisile was also remembered for her close relationship with the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, founder of the IFP. Several top IFP leaders were present at the funeral, including party president and current Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Velenkosini Hlabisa, as well as KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, son of the late Prince Buthelezi.
Speakers took to the podium throughout the service to encourage Dumisile’s children, who are now members of Imithente, to continue their mother’s legacy. They praised Dumisile for keeping the group alive after the passing of fellow co-founders Simosakhe Mthalane and Nokwazi Ntuli in 2010. Despite these losses, Dumisile managed to rebuild the group by including her children and continued to achieve success, including winning a South African Music Award (SAMA) in 2016.
Her son, Hlanganani Mthalane, and daughter, Lungile Mthalane, vowed to keep the spirit of Imithente alive and called for continued support from the public and the music industry. “We are heartbroken, but we believe that with God’s help, we will heal. Imithente will continue. We are 15 members strong, and we are working on new material,” said Hlanganani.
Veteran musician Thokozani Langa shared emotional words, urging the children not to let the group die, echoing the commitment their mother demonstrated throughout her life.
KZN Premier Ntuli expressed his sadness, noting that although the family and supporters were aware of Dumisile’s illness, they had hoped for her recovery.
Dumisile Mthalane leaves behind a powerful musical legacy, a grieving family, and a community committed to honoring her life’s work through song and tradition.