Mourners bid farewell to Sandile 'Mapaputsi' Ngwenya at funeral in Soweto

JOHANNESBURG - Renowned Kwaito artist and producer Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya will be laid to rest on Saturday. 

Mapaputsi died earlier this month at the age of 45 in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital after battling an illness.

The Izinja hitmaker was honoured during a memorial service in Soweto on Thursday, where friends and industry colleagues gathered to pay their respects.

Deputy Arts and Culture Minister Peace Mabe attended the ceremony and urged artists to formalise themselves to benefit from the government. 

Mabe’s calls follow growing calls by musicians for additional support from the department. 

Mapaputsi's funeral was taking place at the Dlamini Multi-purpose Centre Hall.