President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the family of jazz icon Dorothy Masuku. She passed away at her home in Johannesburg on Saturday at the age of 83.
In a statement, the President says Masuku’s passing is a great loss to the cultural heritage of South Africa and the continent.
She was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for her contribution to the music industry and using her work to highlight the injustices of the apartheid era.
Mourners have gathered at her home in Mulbarton to pay their respects.
Masuku’s granddaughter, Laika, says the family has received messages of condolences from around the country and the world.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the passing away of jazz performer, composer and recipient of the National Order of Ikhamanga, Mama #DorothyMasuka at the age of 83, is a significant loss to the cultural heritage of South Africa and the continent. https://t.co/yxMJgxWg46
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 24, 2019
