The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has come out to defend itself following claims that it spent R50 million on the funeral of the late kwaito star Mandla 'Mampintsha' Maphumulo. He was laid to rest on Friday andafter the funeral there was an outcry that the government spent lavishly while the province was still recovering from devastating floods that hit the city last year. The city has also been facing sewage issues.
FAKE NEWS
Defending the KZN government spokesperson , Lennox Mabasa said reports about the province spending millions on the funeral were false and that the R50 million figure was nothing but a figment of imagination by those bankrupt. Mabasa said R270 000 was given to Mampintsha family's by the provincial government. Of the amount, R170 000 came from the office of the Premier, R50 000 from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, while the remaining R100 000 was provided by the eThekwini metro. Among the people who slammed the government was ward-winning KZN based event organiser, Dogg Durban, real name Lindo Buthelezi.
OPEN LETTER
In an open letter addressed to premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Dogg Durban said the lavish funeral did not make sense as Mampintsha lived a normal life Though he commended those who made the decision to support Mampintsha's funeral, Dogg Durban decried the lavishness of the funeral and criticised the government for only showing up when artists have died but watch them starve when they are alive. The letter read: "I greet you mphathi wethu ngenkulu inhlonipho ( I greet you our leader with the utmost respect), Premier of KZN Mam Nomusa Dube-Ncube. I trust your holidays have been warm & the new year has been great so far. Firstly, I want to commend and send the most sincere appreciation to all those who made the decision to help lay umfwethu (our brother) to rest in such a dignified manner. It was a very great send off and as his friends and colleagues, we appreciate seeing you active in things that have to do with our industry (even though it's on a sad occasion, however your efforts ayitholile indawo kwizi nhliziyo zethu) they found a special place in our hearts.
WATCHING ARTISTS STARVE
Mampintsha is a legend, KZN entertainment is filled with fire because of that man's talent. He's the only artist to be involved four times in Song of the Year on UKHOZI FM, our first song of the year came from him & his group (Big Nuz) and even when he had left us still wahlukanisa unyaka eselele emgodini (he ushered us into the new year) just a few days ago. Clearly the best to ever do it! My only concern and lento ingiphethe kabi ( something that does not sit well) I had to write to you. I got home after the funeral and people were talking about how "beautiful and posh" the funeral was just broke me because I know this is not the kind of lifestyle my brother lived. Our Province & City failed Mampintsha like all other artists.What's the purpose of having an expensive funeral when Mampintsha has a kid that needs to go to good schools & needs to live a comfortable life? In your speech I didn't hear one thing about any plans for his son, because I know for a fact that he would rather have you use all that money for the benefit of his son. Paid for his education rather than a flashy funeral. Kubuhlungu kuthi (it's painful to us) our Government will only show up when artists die but when they're alive they watch them starve,' he wrote.
