Brenda Mvula’s partner, Koketso Matlaweng in black mourning the sudden passing of her beloved supported by her aunt in a black & white top.

Where:   Acts of God Christian Church, Midrand.
When:  9th Jan. 2014
Photos by Lindeka Qampi & Zanele Muholi

Opening remarks and tribute by Programme Director, Lethabo Hazel Matlala

Pastor Musso…

Mpho Nefuri relating of the good and trying times shared with Brenda…

Bibi King, FoC co-founder speaking at the memorial…

Steve Letsike, activist and Brenda’s friend talking about how Brenda used to emphasize on ‘lesbian empowerment and progress…’

Brenda’s spiritual friend, Pule Rampa could not hold tears… of losing a dearest friend

Nomagcina Shezi, Brenda’s buddy shedding tears…

Philile Shoba, a friend who drove all the way from Durban to attend the memorial service

Nomthandazo Mankazana in a khaki dress, a facebook friend who never met Brenda in person but came to support…

Jessica represing FEW and Iranti

Nolwazi, a neighbor narrating of the times she spent with Brenda

The portrait of the late Brenda Mvula
with a beautiful smile… Gone too soon.

Devastated by the loss of a friend, Thandi Mkwinana who grew up with Brenda Mvula could not even speak for two minutes…

Pule Rampa closed the memorial with a special prayer

Matilda Maroga, giving vote of thanks to all those who supported Mvula family and partner Koketso Matlaweng

Obituary of the late Brenda Nonceba Mvula

Nonceba Brenda Mvula was born on the 2^nd July 1980 in Rietfontein-KwaRhadebe village, Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape.

During her childhood Nonceba stayed with her grandmother. She started schooling at Monwabisi Primary School and attended her secondary classes at St Mary’s Christian Boarding School in Umtata and finished high education at Wapenaar School.

At 19, she moved to Bloemfontein where she lived alone at first and later was joined by her sister.
She worked for Primi Piatti restaurant while studying for her Matric at Fame College.
She later moved to Johannesburg and continued working at Primi.
She received mentorship from Australians who taught her the ropes of life, business and the importance of education.  After completing Matric, she furthered her education and advanced to obtain a Masters of Commerce in Project Management.

She worked at Gestalt Consultant as a Project Manager and later joined the Department of Housing in 2008 – 2010 still holding the same position.
She returned home in 2012 where she spent the last months of her life.
Due to illness, she returned to Pretoria to receive medical treatment and unfortunately was called by her Creator on the 2^nd January 2014 while in hospital.
Nonceba was a strong believer in God.
She prayed with and for her friends wherever possible.
She was also a sister and mentor to many.
Nonceba is survived by her daughter, both parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers and partner Koketso Matlaweng.

Sithi lala ngoxolo, ulufezile ugqatso!!!
Rhadebe – Bhungane – Mthikhulu
Mashiy’amahle, amade njengawenyamazane
Mafuz’afulele, njengelifulemvula
Ndebenhle zombini ezikhanyilanga
Zikode – Siba olude – Hlubi elihle
Nzipho zimnyama ngokuqhwayana!
Mashwabada, owashabadela inkomo kanyenezimpondo zayo
Ngelengele… aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

The funeral service of Brenda Mvula will be held at 09h00 on  11th January 2014 in Sterkspruit, KwaRhadebe village, Eastern Cape.

by Jeremiah Sepotokele, Lesiba Mothibe & Yaya Mavundla

It is Thursday, 9th January 2013, when Inkanyiso crew attended Brenda Nonceba Mvula’s memorial service at Acts Christian Church in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Although the Memorial Service was scheduled for 11h00 but started later than that. When we got there at 11h20 we found people standing outside in circles next to their neatly parked luxury cars.

It didn’t seem like they were worried when the service will be starting as some were puffing their smokes.
For a moment I wondered if I wasn’t confusing cigarettes with cigars as everything screamed opulence.

In a blink of an eye everyone waltzed into the venue. It amazed how some of us didn’t notice that we were the only ones left outside. I guess we were still stunned by the best behaviour, especially after attending Muntu’s funeral the previous weekend.

The service was opened by Pastor Musso, who shared a message of being in the right standing with God.
“Brenda knew Jesus, she inspired many through the word of God, and therefore we shouldn’t worry because she is going to heaven” he preached.

Program Director Lethabo Hazel Matlala introduced the speakers. One would have expected a family member to be the first to come up and pay their final tribute to Brenda but it wasn’t the case.
The program was filled with friends who took the honour of sharing their encounters with Brenda.
It came as a surprise to note that no one shared Brenda’s childhood experience, especially for friends who claimed that Brenda as a role model.

A friend who was touched by indirect work Brenda did for the LGBTI community was Steve Letsike, who described her as an inspiration.
“She was passionate, she believed in our queer community. She believed that every LGBTI person must be employed or have their own business. She also wanted us to open a gym together amongst other things she was doing on the side, she was passionate.”

Pule Rampa was one specific friend who shared a lot in common with Brenda, and one of the things they shared was the love of God. Pule also spoke so fondly of her late friend when paying tribute.
“I don’t have a friend, I never had a friend, and she was my first friend. We were brought together by the Lord.”

A tribute melodic performance by Trevor Simpson kept Brenda’s spirit alive.

Amongst the friends who came to the service were also buddies who traveled all the way from Durban and shared a lot of amazing experiences.
Philile Shoba, a Durbanite remembered the day in October when they attended the 2013 LGBTI Recognition Awards ceremony where Brenda and her gorgeous soul mate Koketso Matlaweng won BEST Couple.
That’s one of the greatest moments she remembers amongst many they shared.

Other cyber friends who spoke fondly of Brenda were Abigail Bibi King; Nomagcina Shezi; Jessica (FEW); Nolwazi (Neighbour in Midrand) and Thandi Kwinana.

It was said that Brenda was a go getter, women of class who loved showing off her lavish lifestyle on Facebook. Surprisingly, this is where most of her friends who describe “Brenda the hustler” met her.

Majority that was at the memorial service never met her in person but on facebook. We as the crew also never met the deceased but came to support with documentation since that is what we do most.

Towards the end Mpho Nefuri read a very moving poem by Koketso  Matlaweng paying tribute to her late partner in a very dignified manner.

In closing, Pule Rampa read the late Brenda’s obituary followed by the moving prayer to end the service.  Then Matilda Maroga gave a vote of thanks to all those who attended.

“Sithi lala ngoxolo, ulufezile ugqatso!!!”

Related article
2014 Jan.9: Brenda Mvula’s Memorial Service

and

Previous articles by the authors

2014 Jan. 5: After tears for Muntu Masombuka’s

and

2013 Dec. 30: Beauties and the Beach…

and

2013 March 30: A response to Definitely Not Gaysbian article

and

2014 Jan. 5: High Fashion at Muntuza’s funeral in KwaThema

Text by Lebo ‘Leptie’ Phume
Photos by Lindeka Qampi & Zanele Muholi

For the past few days I have been shadowing Zanele Muholi and Lindeka Qampi while they do follow up’s of Faces and Phases series. 

On October 30 we made a detour and attended the memorial service of Bafana-Bafana and Orlando Pirates Football Club captain Senzo ‘Nzori’ Meyiwa, South African record holder in athletics Mbulaeni ‘Silver bullet’ Mulaudzi and junior middleweight boxer Phindile ‘Zulu girl’ Mwelase.

In our arrival at the Standard Bank Arena it was full to capacity, I was humbled by the attendance of the community. It was rather embarrassing that Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club players and technical staff were more visible than Senzo’s team. It bothered me why they were not present at the service, only the former captain Lucky Lekgwathi sat next to Senzo’s injured “arch rival” captain of Kaizer Chiefs FC Itumeleng Khune.

The service was for three athletes yet it felt like it was only for Senzo. He was portrayed as a South African hero; to me he has not done much for the country besides his superb performances in his last four matches with Bafana-Bafana. What saddens me is that Mulaudzi was less recognized while he archived more than the two athletes.

His first global medal was a silver medal in 2000 African Championship, bronze in 2003 World Championships which followed a year after he won gold in 2002 Commonwealth Games, silver in 2003-07 All-Africa Games, gold medallist in 2004 IAAF World Indoor Championships. He went on to win two silver medals in 2006-08, runner up at the continental level on three occasions, he was a flag barrier for his native country at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics where he became a silver medallist.
During 2006-07 seasons he ranked first on time becoming the first black South African to achieve such feat.

All of his achievements were not mentioned in his one page shortcut obituary, while Senzo got a two page spread that includes his football history, fact files to his four clean sheets for Bafana that seem to be more important and his family life. I hate to compare the two but it is hard not to when the obituary was not written in an equal manner.

Mr Sam Meyiwa, the father of the murdered Senzo Meyiwa could not contain his tears at the joint memorial service of the SA three athletes …

Mr and Mrs Meyiwa who came all the way from Durban to attend the memorial service of their son…

In my opinion this was a Senzo Meyiwa show, he has been a centre of attention since he has killed that Sunday evening and less on the other athletes whose deaths were as tragic.

There are other footballers that have lost their lives tragically and they didn’t receive as much attention from the media or the South African Football Association (SAFA). Not to a point where a statue will be build using firearms and be erected outside SAFA house. I do not think he deserve that, they might as well collect scrapped cars and build statues for all the football players who lost their lives in car accidents like Leslie Manyathela, Oscar Ntwagae and Gift Leremi just to name few.

An amount of R250 000 is offered as a reward to anyone who will help the South African Police Services (SAPS) to put the killers behind bars yet lesbian women get killed and not even R1000 will be offered to catch the killers. It shows in this country women will never be taken seriously. If only such efforts and dedication was applied to every case no matter how small or big it is, our country would be a safer place for everyone.

I do not want to blame my ignorance on the fact that I did not know anything about Phindile Mwelase, even though I am an athlete. I never knew when she was admitted in hospital just heard of her death. Even during the memorial service not much was said about her.

She started boxing in 2007 and turned professional in 2012 as a junior middleweight boxer and ranked second in her department. She fought in six paid professional fights where she lost five and drew one. Phindile is the first female boxer in South Africa to pass away as a result of an unfortunate defeat in the ring.

My deepest condolences to the friends and families of Senzo Meyiwa, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Phindile Mwelase.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (centred) by a friend and daughter on the right ‘was there to give support to the grieving families…

by Lerato Dumse

Dry eyes were scarce inside Denis Hurley hall, when Wandile Mkhize asked to speak during his mother’s memorial service. Diakonia Council of Churches Centre hosted Nombulelo “Magesh” Zungu’s memorial service, on Sunday December 20, 2015. Magesh is popularly known as “Mam’ Mfundisi or the first lady of Victorious Ministries Church International (VMCI) and was recognised as the mother of the church. Months after she had been admitted to hospital, she succumbed to illness on December 17.

2015 April 25: MaGesh in Brooklyn, New York.  Photo by Zanele Muholi 

Inkanyiso media has been documenting the church since 2012, and was requested to document the memorial service. The crew arrived 30 minutes before the service was scheduled to start. Only a handful of mourners had arrived, and sat in awkward silence, filled with grief.

2015 Jan. 11: Durban, MaGesh in an emotional state during church service with Boysie, Zonke and Menzi

Some of the church’s staunch members were finalizing arrangements, Mfundo completed covering the chairs, Nonhle Kunene sprinkled pink petals on the stage, Inkanyiso prepared documenting equipment and assisted with the projection and light setup. Mbali Biyela worked on the sound system, one of the speakers seemed uncooperative and sounded as if it had “cried” a lot, mourning the passing of “Isiwiliwili” as she was fondly called.

When I received the call about Magesh’s death I was in a grocery store with my grandfather. I was overwhelmed by grief, forced to fight back tears, I spent the rest of the week with a lump on my throat. So as Wandile stood and addressed the congregation, my tears finally fell. “I am a man today because of you, Thank you for loving my entire family, I have never seen any man love a woman the way you loved my mother, Wandile said during a heartfelt declaration of love for Pastor Zenzi Zungu.

2015 April 29: R-L: Brooklyn Museum, New York. MaGesh + Pastor Z. Zungu with Prof. Hlonipha Mokoena (Wiser, Wits University) and Prof. Fran White (NYU)

2014: L-R: Pastor Z. Zungu and the wife MaGesh Zungu during the VMCI Easter service. Photo by Charmain Carrol

Menzi Nxumalo was the MC for the day; he recalled a conversation with Magesh days before her passing, in which she announced to him during a telephonic conversation that she was leaving. The first item on the programme was Khumbuzile Xulu. She reminisced about how she met and became friends with “Magatsheni” in Grade 8, then standard 6. While they were still in High School, “Magatsheni” offered Xulu a glam look. The friend said she was received well by the Ndlovu family, which is Magesh’s maiden name, giving her comfort when her mother died. Xulu thanked Pastor Zungu for being supportive to Magesh, even sleeping at the hospital. Xulu described her friend as “creative, with a pure heart, sharing love wholeheartedly, she added.

2014 Dec.21 VMCI Durban, church service featuring MaGesh in a royal blue dress…  Photo by Zanele Muholi

Speaking for the elders of the church, Ndosi Cele reminded everyone that the memorial service was a celebration of life, and that Magesh would not want people to be sad. “She has left a mark, she fought for life and fought for everyone.” Cele reassured Zungu of the elder’s undying support.

Another church executive followed and pledged support to Zungu. D Mkhize sent condolences to the pastor’s family saying Magesh “had time with her God.”

Noxolo Biyela represented Idwala, she explained that she understands the vision carried by Magesh. “We spent time together at conferences, and she would share the word with us, leave us revived.”

The long list of praises for Magesh, included how she was responsible for the many homes built by her through marriage. S Magutshwa spoke for the Ushers at VMCI. Echoing previous speakers, Magutshwa noted that Magesh was like a biological mother to many, and spread her love to the church.

After worshipping and shedding tears for our Mam’ Mfundisi, we received the main word of God from Thabo Ngwane. He read from John chapter 12 verse 22 and Genesis chapter 39 verse 6. Congregants continued praising the word of God, and remembered Magesh Zungu.

Previous links

2015 April 6:  VMCI Baptism at 2015 Easters in Durban

and

2015 Feb. 16:  VMCI is a home away from home

and

2014 Dec. 21:  Sealing the union of love

and

 2014 Dec. 14:  The kiss that moved the church

and

 2014 Aug. 2:  Vuyisile and Happy’s umembeso

and

2014 June 23:  The lovely couple on vacation in Cape Town

and

2014 Feb. 4: Newly ordained pastors of VMCI church 

and

2014 Jan. 5:  Ishaya ngolunye unyawo i-VMCI kulonyaka

and

2013 Sept. 21:  Easter Weekend with VMCI worshippers 

and

2013 Sept. 19:  Ikhiphe icwecwe layo lokuqala i-Victory 

and

 2013 Sept. 1:  Bafake umfaniswano omama nobab’ umfundisi

and

 2013 Sept. 1:  The VMCI Times

and

 2013 Sept. 16:  The day Ndlelas got married  

and

 2013 Jan. 6:  Victory Ministries Church International (VMCI)

and

 2013 June 15:  The Durban Lesbian Wedding of the Year

Text by Yaya Mavundla
Photos by Zanele Muholi

What a well organised and most dignified memorial service held at Bassline, Newtown for our dear friend Iko Mash. Transgender activist and media personality shocked many by her sudden passing. She passed away on Friday 21.07.2017. Friends and other personalities shared their tributes for Iko on social media and in the press.

The memorial service was put together by Quardrepublic, Thami Kotlolo’s communications company together with Iko’s close friends. The service was attended by many who knew her in person and those who did not know her personally. Most people took time off from work to attend the service as it was during the day.

Andile Gaelesiwe couldn’t hold her tears as she read a eulogy by Lebo Kheswa, one of Iko’s friends…

On arrival we were given candles that were used during Kelly  Khumalo’s moving performance. First on the programme was my tribute video to Iko. It allowed me to share with everyone how I knew Iko. Memories with her and mostly what conversations we would have as South Africa’s most visible transgender people.

Mourners at the memorial service of Iko Mash

Immediately after my tribute video, there was a performance by Wanda Baloyi. Programme director for the day was Khumbulekhaya’s presenter, Andile Gaelesiwe. She was a close friend to Iko.
She then called upon the last remaining member of 3 Sum, Amstel Maboa to speak. Amstel contained his pain of losing his friend. He was so bubbly. After greeting everyone, he then shared his story of how he and Iko Mash met. “I met Iko 17 years ago through Koyo. Iko and I then became friends. I was never a person who uses make-up, but look at me today” shared Amstel.

Iko & Amstel’s friendship had it ups and downs. “We fought a lot, Iko was dramatic joh. You had to tolerate Iko” Amstel declared. He continued and mentioned that he was one of the people who did not see Iko on her last days but that does not mean that he wasn’t there for her. It also does not mean that he was less of her friend or did not love her enough.” When Iko found out that she was sick she shut the world out of her life, she chose not to be seen” Amstel concluded.

A journalist friend Sonia Motaung also spoke. “I met Iko 10 or 14 years ago, somewhere around those years. We used to go party at Kilimanjaro with Ikonand a lot would happen” cracking the crowd into so much laughter because of the jokes she made about the activities happened at Kilimanjaro.
She carried on about how having Iko in the public eye helped a lot of people to come out. Also how she also contributed as a friend to Iko to make sure that LGBTI people were featured in the media.
“Having Iko, Amstel, Koyo & Jeff helped a lot of people to come out, to be comfortable with their sexuality. I used to write about them all the time. I would take them with me every time I move to a new publication. I did it with Drum, City Press and Sowetan” – Sonia

Manaka Ranaka & Andile Gaelesiwe…

Then there was Manaka Ranaka. A God sent individual to Iko’s family and friends. Manaka took care of Iko since she was diagnosed with cancer.  Manaka said she is devastated and traumatised by losing Iko. She was shaking on the podium. “It took me the whole week to write my tribute to Iko, and I still did not finish“. Said heartbroken Manaka.
She spoke of how their relationship was so strong and memories they shared together. Iko would even offer Manaka to help her with her script. This journey started from the soapie where they worked on together, Zabalaza and carried on to her current job on Generations; The Legacy.

“Iko treated me like her husband & wife. Today I choose to stand here and be her husband” said the sobing actress Manaka Ranaka. She went on to say that Iko taught her so much and she chose Iko over her children.

Emotional tribute from Manaka was followed by an amazing video inserts. The inserts took us through great memories of Iko Mash featured on Selimathunzi in the past years. Then the producer of the show spoke very fondly of Iko Mash. Even though he kept using the incorrect pronoun referring to Iko as a “he” in his speech. He was then corrected by a member in the audience Zanele Muholi to refer to our late transgender friend as “she”.

Joe went on to say Iko was very unapologetic and had so much power and presence. This is in support to everyone that spoke about her. “Iko had so much power, she would say do not mess around with me, I am here and you have to accept” referring to any situations where she would experience any type of phobias and harrasment.

Joe continued and said “She made unfortunate woman look beautiful. I am no make-up artist but I know it’s a hell of a job“.
Joe described Iko as someone who had a lot of dreams and he strongly believes that she made a mark. Some of her dreams did come true.
Joe was than followed by a very emotional performance by Kelly Khumalo that got people in tears. Kelly sang a song tittled Themba from her new album “My truth”.

Other speakers that went up to pay their tributes are Iko’s brother Sello Mashiloane. He was followed by Deputy Minister of Arts & Culture, Ms Makhotso Sotyu who unfortunately did not know the late Iko in person.
She was then followed by fag hag ANC NEC Member Ms Nomvula Mokonyane who spoke so fondly of Iko. She mentioned all the great things they did together. She went on to refer to Iko as the best. “Iko did my make-up and hair for the 2010 world cup gala dinner”, “even Basetsana Khumalo was jealous” she joked. She added saying that even the clutch bag was a gift from Iko that she had promised her long ago.

“All she wanted in exchange was from me was to distribute her business cards. She then concluded her speech by saying she can’t lie and say she understands what is Iko’s mother going through. “NO one will ever understand your pain unless they have lost a child. There is a biological connection between you and your child” words of comfort directed to Iko’s mom.

The service was wrapped up by Iko’s uncle and a sermon by Pastor Moema. Then light refreshments were served.

Iko Mash was born on the 31st of May 1975 and passed away on the 21st of July 2017 in the presence of her mother and close friend Ranaka Manaka.

Previous by Yaya

2017 July 25: Mellisa Mbambo to represent the KZN LGBTI community at the first Miss Gay RSA