Opera great Mimi Coertse remembered as a national treasure

A national treasure, a pioneer, and an enduring symbol of South African excellence.

This is how Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has described internationally acclaimed opera singer Mimi Coertse.

Coertse passed away on Monday at the age of 93.

Born in Durban in 1932, she rose to international fame after establishing her career in Austria, where she became a leading soprano at the Vienna State Opera. 

Coertse performed in some of the world’s most celebrated operas, including Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Verdi’s Rigoletto, earning major honours from the Austrian government for her contribution to the arts.

"Through her extraordinary talent and discipline, she opened doors for South African artists internationally and affirmed that our voices belong on the greatest stages in the world. She also made a lasting contribution to the growth and recognition of Afrikaans arts and culture," McKenzie said in a statement.

Beyond her international success, Coertse played a key role in developing South African talent after returning home in 1973. 

She co-founded the Black Tie Ensemble (an independent South African opera company) and established a bursary to support young singers. 

The Sport, Arts and Culture Department said her legacy will continue to shape South African music and culture for generations.