Gauteng MEC Matome
By Lerato Mpembe
Johannesburg, 22 February 2025 – Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has extended his condolences to the family of veteran musician Suthukazi Arosi, who passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer. The MEC described the artist as a brilliant and talented musician whose music touched millions of South Africans, leaving behind a legacy of cultural activism and the values of uBuntu. Chiloane’s spokesperson, Xolani Mkhwemte, said, “MEC Chiloane has expressed himself on this matter. While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Suthukazi, we also celebrate her life and the talent she shared with us for over 40 years. She was not only a brilliant musician but also a cultural activist who embodied and promoted the values of uBuntu in her music. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, the entire creative community, and all those who cherished her music. May her soul rest in peace.”
A Life Dedicated to Music and uBuntu
Suthukazi Arosi’s passing marks the end of an era for South African music and culture. Born in the Eastern Cape in 1960, Arosi rose to prominence in the 1980s as a powerful voice in the maskandi and folk genres, blending traditional Xhosa melodies with contemporary influences. Her music, often filled with themes of love, longing, and resilience, resonated deeply with audiences across the country, earning her a reputation as one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural icons.
For over four decades, Arosi’s work went beyond entertainment—it became a beacon of cultural activism. Her songs frequently championed uBuntu, the African philosophy of humanity and togetherness, urging listeners to embrace compassion and unity. This commitment to social values made her a household name, with hits like “Uthando Lwempilo” (The Love of Life) and “Siyakubonga” (We Thank You) still played at gatherings and ceremonies nationwide.
Posts on X from fans and musicians reflect the profound impact of her loss. One user, @SiyaMusicLover, wrote, “Suthukazi Arosi’s voice was the heartbeat of our nation. Her music will live forever.” Another, @CultureSA, shared, “She was more than a musician—she was a teacher of uBuntu. Rest in peace, Mama Suthu.” These tributes highlight the deep connection South Africans felt with Arosi, whose legacy continues to inspire.
A Battle with Cancer
Arosi’s death came after a private but courageous battle with cancer, a struggle she kept largely out of the public eye. According to reports on SABC News and EWN, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and underwent treatment while continuing to create music. Despite her illness, she released her final album, “Ukhona Ngaphakathi” (You Are Within), in 2023, a collection of songs that spoke to healing, faith, and perseverance. The album received critical acclaim and topped charts on platforms like Spotify South Africa, cementing her status as a cultural giant.
Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at her home in Johannesburg, surrounded by loved ones. While the exact details of her illness remain private, sources close to her told Newzroom Afrika that Arosi remained committed to her craft until her final days, recording demos and mentoring young artists. “She never stopped singing, even when the pain was unbearable,” said a family member in an interview shared on X by @GautengArtsHub.
MEC Chiloane’s Tribute and the Creative Community’s Response
Matome Chiloane’s statement, issued by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, reflects the province’s deep respect for Arosi’s contributions. Chiloane, known for his advocacy for arts and culture, emphasized her role as a cultural activist whose music promoted uBuntu—a value central to South African identity. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, the entire creative community, and all those who cherished her music. May her soul rest in peace,” he said through spokesperson Xolani Mkhwemte.
The creative community has rallied in mourning, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians, actors, and cultural leaders. Maskandi artist Phuzekhemisi, a contemporary of Arosi, posted on X, “Suthukazi was a pioneer. Her voice carried our stories, and her spirit will guide us forward.” Meanwhile, the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) issued a statement praising her for her “unwavering dedication to preserving our musical heritage.”
On X, hashtags like #RIP SuthukaziArosi and #SuthukaziLegacy have trended, with thousands of users sharing memories, lyrics, and photos of her performances. A virtual memorial concert is being planned for next week, organized by the Gauteng Arts Council, to celebrate her life and raise funds for cancer awareness—a cause close to Arosi’s heart in her final years.
A Cultural Icon and Activist
Arosi’s influence extended far beyond music. As a cultural activist, she used her platform to address social issues, including poverty, gender inequality, and the preservation of indigenous languages. In the 1990s, she collaborated with organizations like the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) to promote cultural education in schools, earning her numerous awards, including the Order of Ikhamanga in 2015 for her contributions to South African arts.
Her music often featured Xhosa lyrics, celebrating her heritage while appealing to a diverse audience. She performed at major events like the Durban Arts Festival and the Johannesburg Arts Alive, where she captivated audiences with her soulful voice and charismatic presence. Arosi’s work also inspired a new generation of musicians, many of whom credit her as a mentor and role model.
Posts on X from young artists like @ZandiMusicZA show this influence: “Suthukazi Arosi taught me to sing with my heart, not just my voice. Her legacy lives in us all.” Her activism for uBuntu also resonated during South Africa’s democratic transition, making her a symbol of hope and unity in a divided nation.
The Impact on Gauteng and South Africa
Gauteng, as the cultural hub of South Africa, feels Arosi’s loss deeply. Johannesburg, where she spent much of her career, has been a center for her performances and recordings. The city’s arts community, already grappling with funding challenges, now faces the void left by one of its brightest stars. MEC Chiloane’s department is exploring ways to honor her legacy, including establishing a scholarship for aspiring musicians from the Eastern Cape, Arosi’s birthplace.
Nationally, the loss has sparked conversations about the importance of preserving South African music and supporting artists facing health challenges. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in South Africa, with breast cancer affecting thousands of women annually. Arosi’s battle has reignited calls for better healthcare access, particularly for artists who often lack financial security. Posts on X from organizations like CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) highlight this, with one user, @CANSA_SA, urging, “Let’s honor Suthukazi by fighting cancer together.”

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