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Godwin Muzari Arts Editor
Government has saluted the late musician Dorothy Masuka, describing her as a hardworking and passionate singer whose legacy will live forever.
The Zimbabwe-born South African singer succumbed to a stroke on February 23 at the age of 83.
Speaking at her funeral in Johannesburg yesterday, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Nicholas Moyo, who was representing the Government, said the late icon’s works will live forever in the country.
He said she was admired and respected by many in Zimbabwe.
“I am representing the Government of Zimbabwe through the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. We have not come to mourn with you but to celebrate with you. We have come to stand with the family and also to stand with South Africa,” said Moyo.
“In Zimbabwe we always called her Aunty Dot. To me it was very personal because she was born in the township where I was also born, in Pumula, Bulawayo.
“We all know that, because she was born in Zimbabwe to a South African mother and Zambian father, she always reminded people that she was more African than many of us and indeed she was.”
Moyo said Masuku’s hard work defied her age.
“She defied age and was passionate about the work that she did. Even her work across Africa speaks a lot and we speak after she has gone. Her legacy should live on.”
He said it was sad that Zimbabwe has lost three icons within a short time.
“For Zimbabwe, when we received the news of passing on of Aunty Dot we were still smarting from the passing on of Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and Charles Mungoshi. Now we have lost Aunty Dot.”
Moyo saluted the late music icon for her work in fighting for the rights of artists. He said she had inspired many in Zimbabwe to fight for their rights.
“She grew up as someone who knew to fight for what was right. She was very solid in fighting for the rights of artists and to us, we saw her as a comrade
“When she came to Zimbabwe she ensured that artistes stand for their rights. She was a force to reckon with. “She was admired and respected by music lovers and musicians alike.
The NACZ director shared a lighter side of Masuka’s growing up, revisiting her early days as a model.
“Aunty Dot was a very sweet and beautiful lady. I don’t know if many of you know that Aunty Dot used to love participating in beauty pageants. She participated in a lot of beauty pageants when she was very young and one which we remember very well was when at 19, she won Miss Mzilikazi.
“When you participate in those platforms it speaks about confidence. When you believe in yourself.” He said the late icon should also be remembered as a unifier.
“We need to look at how best we can make her legacy live on because she inspired many. We should remember this funeral because she was a great unifier”
Masuku was buried at Westpark Cemetery, Johannesburg
Online Reporter