The mayor from King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Nyaniso Nelani expressed sadness following the news of the passing of the founder for Sivuyile Nonzame Traditional Dancers, Nomalungelo Bonga (69).
Bonga departed on Thursday, July 6, 2023, just after a short illness.
Her funeral service will be held at Mthatha Stadium in Mthatha on Friday, July 21, 2023.
According to Mayoral Speaker, Olwethu Mabovula, Bonga was one of the most celebrated traditional dancers in performing art in the Eastern Cape province and the country.
“She was the co-founder of the Sivuyile Nonzame Traditional Dancers which in 2016 was nominated for the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs). She said her dance group took centre stage at many provincial and national events.
“It was amongst groups that participated in the reburial of the late King Sabata Dalindyebo, whilst at the same time she led a group of artists to welcome the remains of the late Sarah Baartman.
“Amongst her accolades, she was an accredited trainer by the then University of Transkei (UNITRA) now is called Walter Sisulu University (WSU) under faculty of Music. Mayor for King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani said their thoughts are with her family, who adored her and was also warmly adorned by many as their mother.
“He also visited the family and was accompanied by the Speaker from KSD Council, Siyo-Sokutu, members of the Mayoral Committee and Councillors from this municipality.
“Bonga will forever be remembered as one of those heroines who flew high the flag of KSD and selflessly shared her talent with the rest of the nation and showcased our culture effortlessly and beautifully.
“We would like to further send our condolences on behalf of the whole Community from KSD.
“We join the rest in expressing our admiration for a woman who had dedicated herself to keeping our tradition alive through the promotion of Arts and Culture. Through traditional music and dance she won the respect and hearts of many in the province as she mobilized all traditional artists from the then Transkei and led her group into the Inauguration of the first democratically elected Premier in the Eastern Cape, Raymond Mhlaba,” said Nelani.
