A storm is brewing within the family of Joseph Shabalala, the late founder and musical director of the Grammy-winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Nkosinathi, Shabalala's eldest son, who was never part of the internationally acclaimed ensemble, has raised serious allegations regarding his father's estate. He claims that one of his siblings forged their father's signature after his death, effectively sidelining him.

DODGY DEALINGS 

According to Nkosinathi, when Joseph Shabalala passed away on 11 February 2020 at Life Eugene Marais Hospital in Pretoria, he soon discovered irregularities in the will, which appeared to be signed posthumously. "After our father's passing, I made it a priority to locate his will and testament," Nkosinathi told ZiMoja. "I presented the will to my brothers, but they initially ignored me. Only when I consulted a lawyer did they suggest using the same lawyer to investigate the matter of inheritance." Nkosinathi also mentioned that in 2008, Shabalala had established a company and later resigned due to declining health. However, official documents show that his resignation was recorded in 2021, a full year after his death. "When I showed the executor of the deceased estate the evidence of the forged signature, along with documents stating that our father resigned after his death, they dismissed my concerns," he said. Despite confronting his brothers, Nkosinathi claims they did not explain.

 Nkosinathi Shabalala

FRAUD AT PLAY?

Siblings Sibongiseni, Thamsanqa, Thulani and Msizi Shabalala are active members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Nkosinathi believes there has been fraud and corruption within the family business and he intends to pursue the truth. A source close to the family disclosed that Joseph Shabalala had originally appointed Thamsanqa to lead the group, but Sibongiseni objected, asserting that the group belonged to the entire family. "Thamsanqa is a quiet guy and chose not to argue with Sibongiseni. Meanwhile, Nkosinathi is often seen as the family's black sheep, despite being the eldest and rightful head since their father's passing," the source said, suggesting further family revelations could be in the horizon.

HE IS TOO OLD TO JOIN NOW

When contacted for comment, group leader Sibongiseni Shabalala acknowledged the group's origins and his father's legacy. "Our father founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the '60s. If he wanted Nkosinathi to be part of it, he would have included him," he said. He refused to comment on his father's alleged signature being forged as it is a legal matter.